In the past year, 391 incidents were reported in which scientists and students were obstructed, dismissed, oppressed or even prosecuted, according to the annual report Free to Think of human rights organization Scholars at Risk (SAR) that was published today. 'Academic freedom is under pressure worldwide', says UAF director Mirjam Huisman, the Dutch partner of SAR. 

The SAR report provides an overview of the state of academic freedom in the world. The UAF has been committed to helping scholars in need for years and has recently committed itself to becoming active again in Scholars at Risk (SAR). SAR is an international network that is committed to protecting academic freedom.  

With the ongoing pressure on academic freedom worldwide, it is essential to protect it. Huisman: 'If scientists cannot work in freedom or are even prosecuted for their work, that is horrible. Academic freedom is one of the cornerstones of democracy. It is important that we protect these scientists.'

Russian scientists fired 

The report shows, among other things, that fifteen scientists were fired in Russia because they were critical of the government in their research. But incidents have been reported not only in authoritarian regimes, but also in open and democratic societies. In particular, scientists and students who had expressed opinions about the conflict in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories were regularly dealt with harshly. Huisman: 'We see a growing discomfort in society and also within educational institutions to discuss this subject without value judgment. This also puts academic freedom under pressure.'

Scientists in need

The UAF would like to work with SAR and Dutch educational institutions to create academic positions in the Netherlands for scientists in need so that they can continue their academic work in a safe and free place. In addition, a mentoring program and the organization of a conference to increase knowledge about scientists in need are being considered. 'In this way, we can contribute to the academic freedom that is certainly not self-evident', says Huisman.