Freie Universität Berlin is committed to supporting scholars who are unable to continue their academic work in their home countries due to war or persecution.

Since 2012, Freie Universität has been a member of the international network Scholars at Risk (SAR), which advocates for academic freedom and the human rights of researchers worldwide. One of SAR’s core missions is to provide threatened scholars with a safe environment at one of its member institutions, enabling them to continue their research and academic careers.

At Freie Universität, the SAR Advisory Board, chaired by the Executive Vice President, has been responsible for nominating potential candidates since 2014. A key requirement is that a faculty member from the university is willing to serve as a host.

If you are interested in supporting a scholar at risk, please contact:
Dr. Stefan Rummel: stefan.rummel@fu-berlin.de

 

Funding Opportunities

Eligible scholars are usually nominated for funding through external programs, including:

• Philipp Schwartz Initiative (Alexander von Humboldt Foundation)
  Calls typically open twice a year
• Walter Benjamin Program (German Research Foundation, DFG)
• EU Program SAFE
• Academic Freedom Program (Einstein Foundation)
  Nominations via Department VI: Hannes Berger: hannes.berger@fu-berlin.de

In addition, Freie Universität hosts scholars supported by the IIE Scholar Rescue Fund and co-funds them through a matching grant from university resources. In 2024, Freie Universität Berlin was recognized by the Scholar Rescue Fund as an exemplary host institution.

 

Bridge Scholarships for Emergency Situations

Since spring 2022, the International Office has offered bridge scholarships for scholars directly affected by war or persecution. These scholarships provide short-term support for up to three months.

Applications must be submitted by a supervising FU professor, with approval from the relevant department, to:
international-office@fu-berlin.de

 

Networking & Career Support

Freie Universität is a member of the New University in Exile Consortium (NUEC), based at The New School in New York. The network offers scholars opportunities to teach online seminars, connect with peers globally, and prepare for the next steps in their academic careers.

Within the framework of the Berlin University Alliance, the Postdoc Academy provides centralized support and professional development for postdoctoral researchers who are displaced or at risk.

 

Support for At-Risk Students

The Hilde Domin Program (DAAD) serves to support students and doctoral candidates from across the globe, who are at risk of being formally or de facto denied educational or other rights in their country of origin, and to provide these students B.A. / M.A. and doctoral candidates with an opportunity to begin or complete a study or research degree at a higher education institution in Germany. Potential candidates cannot themselves apply for participation in the Hilde Domin Programme but are nominated by Freie Universität. Faculty members who wish to support students of doctoral candidates at risk in their home country should write to: hilde.domin@international.fu-berlin.de