Academic Freedom Index 2022
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Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)’s engagement with Scholars at Risk began in 2011 with the Norwegian rectors’ formation of a national section. Since then, NTNU has hosted eight scholars from Iran, Eritrea, Turkey, Syria, Yemen, and Pakistan. Our most important contribution is to provide an inclusive work environment and to meet the scholars with support and curiosity. They give a human face to serious challenges in the world and remind us of the importance of defending basic university values which we otherwise tend to take for granted. In return, faculty and students may gain new academic perspectives and insights from the scholars’ life experiences. In the bigger picture, NTNU’s contribution is a drop in the bucket. It is nevertheless an act of solidarity in line with the university’s vision – knowledge for a better world.
The 2022 Academic Freedom Index (AFI) is out now, and reports on academic freedom in 177 countries and territories. This year’s report, led by researchers at the University of Gothenburg and FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg,
Restore Institutional Autonomy in NicaraguaScholars at Risk sent a letter to Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and the National Council of Universities. This was in response to the Nicaraguan National Assembly voting to strip the operating licenses of five of Nicaragua’s leading academic institutions, and giving control of their operations to the government. Collectively, these universities enroll over 14,000 students.
In the letter, SAR urges state authorities to restore institutional autonomy, reinstate its university leadership, and ensure that university decisions remain with members of the higher education community.
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An Afghan Scholar Resumes Life in Ireland
“When I heard that the government collapsed. . .I was thinking ‘we lost 20 years of achievements. . .That was a very hard time.” - Dr. Aziz Mohibbi”
Free to Think talks with Dr. Aziz Mohibbi, an environmental engineer and former chancellor of Afghanistan’s Bamyan University, about his recent relocation to Ireland following the return of the Taliban, and Dr. Roja Fazaeli, an Associate Professor of Islamic Civilization, Near & Middle Eastern Studies at Trinity College, Dublin, who helped to arrange his visit.
Dr. Mohibbi shares his work building up Afghanistan’s education system, his flight from Afghanistan, and how he and his family are settling into life in Ireland. Dr. Fazaeli shares a behind-the-scenes look at how SAR members Trinity College Dublin and Maynooth University, together with partners at the IIE Scholar Rescue Fund and beyond, raced to create an opportunity for an Afghan scholar, and ended up with a new colleague and new friends.
News & Events |
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Student Advocacy Day: Congressional Advocacy Workshop | March 22, 2022Scholars at Risk’s annual event, US Student Advocacy Days, brings together students and faculty from Student Advocacy Seminars across the United States for training on best practices in advocacy on behalf of imprisoned scholars. As part of this year’s event, SAR is pleased to offer a 2-hour virtual training on US Congressional advocacy. on March 22, at 1:00 EST. This training will prepare students for an April 7-8 visit to Washington, DC, where students and SAR staff will meet with members of Congress regarding scholars’ cases. Students and faculty across the network are invited to join the virtual component. Pre-registration is required. To learn more, or to start a Student Advocacy Seminar, contact Clare Robinson at clare.robinson@nyu.edu. Register here » |
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Webinar: Coalition for Academic Freedom in the Americas | March 23, 2022The Coalition for Academic Freedom in the Americas / Coalición por la Libertad Académica en las Américas (CAFA / CLAA) will be hosting a webinar on March 23 at 12:00 EST to discuss major recent developments concerning academic freedom in the Americas, and to build momentum for increased protection and greater understanding of academic freedom and related rights. This event is open to the public. Register here » |
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Inspireurope Regional Outreach Workshop, Southern Europe| March 31, 2022The Inspireurope project’s Regional Outreach Workshop, Southern Europe will be held on 31 March, 2022 at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (venue: Aristotle University Research Dissemination Center-KEDEA). The Workshop aims to increase awareness with key stakeholders in Greece and surrounding countries and provide opportunities to get involved in activities to support researchers at risk. Learn More » |
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Call for applications: UN SR on the right to education | Deadline: April 6, 2022The Secretariat of the United Nations Human Rights Council has announced a call for applications for eight vacancies of independent United Nations experts of the Council, including the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education. Application materials and additional information are available here. Note that individual applications must be submitted and received by April 6 at 12 noon Geneva time. Please share with your networks! Learn More » |
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Inspireurope Philipp Schwartz Initiative Stakeholder Forum | May 10, 2022The 2022 Inspireurope Stakeholder Forum will take place in Berlin on May 10-11, 2022. It will be hosted by Inspireurope partner, the Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation. Inspireurope is an initiative to support, promote and integrate researchers at risk in Europe. Learn More » |
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SAR Italy – International Conference | June 22, 2022The international conference is to take place in Padua on the 800th anniversary of the University of Padua. Details to follow. See More » |
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Geneva Summer Schools: Sustainability Activism | June 7 - 11, 2022Join a class on sustainability activism offered by the the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Environmental Governance and Territorial Development Institute in collaboration with Right Livelihood and the University of Zürich. The target audience includes both MA and PhD-level university students interested in sustainability activism as well as a small number of places with scholarships for grassroots activists who are interested in deepening their understanding and practice. (University enrollment is not a requirement). Read More » |
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