At the 2025 Social Forum of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Scholars at Risk (SAR) called on Member States to adopt authoritative guidance on academic freedom. Speaking at the event, Denise Roche, Advocacy Manager at SAR Europe, emphasized that protecting academic freedom is essential for education systems to achieve their core purpose: supporting human development and enabling participation in a free society.
The annual Social Forum, held October 30–31, provided a platform for dialogue among civil society organizations, governments, and intergovernmental bodies. SAR’s intervention included a call to implement the Principles for Implementing the Right to Academic Freedom as a global standard.
Regional Perspectives
Camilla Croso, Regional Director of the Coalition for Academic Freedom in the Americas (CAFA), also addressed the Forum, underscoring that academic freedom is vital for scientific progress and democratic resilience. “Education and science are indivisible rights,” she stated. “Both depend on academic freedom — the freedom to question, research, and share ideas without fear.”
CAFA continues to work closely with SAR and its regional partners in Africa and Southeast Asia to advance these principles globally.
SAR Network Updates
SAR has opened a call for expressions of interest to host the 2027 SAR Global Congress, its flagship international gathering. Institutions interested in hosting should submit letters of interest by January 9, 2026.
The organization also released highlights from its 2024–2025 Membership Survey, reflecting the broad scope of activity across its global network.
Scholars Seeking Placement
SAR continues to assist at-risk academics seeking research and teaching positions:
- Biotechnology (Afghanistan): Specializing in cancer biology and nanomedicine.
- Agricultural Economics (Sudan): Focus on food security and sustainable food systems.
- Polymer Physics (Yemen): Expertise in materials science and radiation shielding.
Institutions interested in hosting can contact hostingatSAR@nyu.edu.
Recognition for Student Advocacy
The Student Advocacy Seminar at Monash University has been named a finalist for Universities Australia’s Shaping Australia Awards. Since its launch in 2023, the seminar — the largest of its kind worldwide — has engaged over 500 students in advocacy for imprisoned scholars. Participants describe the experience as a unique opportunity to apply human rights principles beyond the classroom.
Opportunities and Events
SAR and its partners announced several upcoming fellowship and research opportunities, including:
- Academy in Exile Fellowships (Germany) – Deadline: November 15, 2025
- FWO Postdoctoral Fellowships (Belgium) – Deadline: November 17, 2025
- Elisabeth Selbert Initiative (Germany) – Deadline: November 20, 2025
- BS4S Postdoctoral Training Program (Poland) – Deadline: December 31, 2025
- Call for Papers: “Activism in Exile” – Abstracts due January 10, 2026
SAR will also host European Student Advocacy Days 2026 in Innsbruck, Austria on February 19–20, 2026, featuring student-led presentations, workshops, and discussions on defending academic freedom.
Support for Academic Freedom
SAR continues to call for global solidarity with scholars at risk and invites donations to support its mission of protecting academic freedom and human rights worldwide.