Objective: To protect the value of academic freedom 

Bielefeld University joins Scholars at Risk network (SAR). The Rektorat passed the resolution on Tuesday, 28 June. SAR is an international network of over 400 universities, research institutes and other academic organisations in 39 countries, all collaborating to protect scholars at risk and promote values, particularly academic freedom. Eleni Andrianopulu, Head of the Welcome Centre has  been chosen as the university’s main representative in the network.

Every year, SAR assists hundreds of researchers by arranging temporary positions for them at member institutions, by providing advocacy to scholars and their families in their home country as well as advice and referrals for scholars and their host institutions. Membership of SAR is not required for assistance with placements. Member universities and their student bodies can, however, benefit from additional services including research, advocacy activities, training opportunities for academic staff and students, as well as conferences and workshops.

German universities are discovering the network through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, which is soon to set up a secretariat for a German section of the network. In addition, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is cooperating with SAR within the newly created Phillipp Schwartz Initiative for threatened academics. The Philipp Schwartz Initiative provides universities and research facilities in Germany with the means to host threatened researchers with a full scholarship for a period of 24 months.

Further information is available online at:
www.scholarsatrisk.org/
www.humboldt-foundation.de/web/philipp-schwartz-initiative.html