January 2026
Mellon/SAR Program Updates
Scholars at Risk (SAR) welcomes the 2025–2026 cohort of Mellon/SAR Academic Freedom Fellows. Supported by the Mellon Foundation and partner organizations, the program provides a research stipend and a professional community for scholars working on academic freedom and related higher education values. Fellows complete their projects over ten months while participating in regular virtual workshops and sharing their work with the SAR community.
Alumni Highlight: Camila Nobrega
Camila Nobrega, a 2020–2021 Mellon/SAR Fellow, and collaborators are launching Risk Factors, a web-based documentary series on socio-environmental justice in Brazil. The project follows five women scholars and students addressing climate misinformation, land defense, women’s organizing in the Amazon, and related issues, while highlighting risks to academic freedom such as discrimination and funding constraints. The trailer was presented at a United Nations Pavilion side event during COP-30 in Brazil.
Resource: 2025 SAR Scholar Survey
SAR has released findings from its 2025 Scholar Survey, based on input from more than 300 scholars and practitioners. The report highlights the value of academic refuge programs and recommends extending placement durations, strengthening professional development and language support, and expanding networking opportunities. A webinar to discuss the findings will take place on March 5, 2026.
Scholars Seeking Hosts
SAR continues to support at-risk higher education professionals by facilitating academic placements that allow scholars to work safely and continue their research and teaching. Participants report that these placements are critical to their professional continuity and personal safety.
SAR at 25
The 2025–2026 academic year marks the 25th anniversary of Scholars at Risk. Under the theme Truth Matters, SAR and its members reflect on past achievements and reaffirm their commitment to protecting academic freedom worldwide.