The opening event of the series „Protecting Academic Freedom” addresses both individual situations of academics and the existing and possible structures (e.g. institutions and initiatives) to support them.

The event will consist of a panel discussion with international scholars, followed by an informal exchange between the audience and the panelists and additional experts.

Thematic focus of the series

Scientific freedom is under threat worldwide. Free scientific thought and work is restricted in many countries and at many levels by individual and institutional attacks. Authoritarian regimes attack scientists and academic institutions and expose them to repression. These range from physical threats and violence to legal persecution and deprivation of academic positions to political influence on issues in research and teaching. The attacks hinder the universities and their employees in their important work – forward-looking research, the training of future leaders and the social communication of orienting knowledge. Therefore, the freedom of science must be secured and threatened scientists must be supported.

The event is part of the series “Protecting Academic Freedom” by the ZEIT-Stiftung Ebelin und Gerd Bucerius and the Volkswagen Foundation in cooperation with the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin (Berlin State Library) and the Tagesspiegel.

Please read the full announcement here and register here.