Thursday, 24 April 2025 - 15:00-16:30 CET
Speakers:
- Peter Maassen, Professor, Department of Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway (Speaker and Moderator)
- Kirsten Roberts-Lyer, Associate Professor and Chair of the Human Rights Programme, Central European University
- Hans de Wit, Emeritus Professor, Boston College, USA
- Paola Mattei, Professor of Public Policy and Political Science, University of Milan, Italy
In an era of political polarisation, rising nationalism, and rapid digital change, universities and scholars increasingly find themselves in the crosshairs of political and ideological conflict. This webinar will explore how academic freedom can be protected through institutional resilience, legal safeguards, and public engagement.
Webinar Focus Areas:
1. Political Interference and Institutional Autonomy
How governments exert influence through ideologically driven interventions as well as through autonomy reforms, governance structures, labour conditions, and funding mechanisms. Speakers will present case studies from Europe and beyond to illustrate how these dynamics threaten academic freedom and democratic norms.
2. Foreign Interference and International Collaboration
Geopolitical shifts and new security concerns are reshaping global academic cooperation. Panelists will offer insights on balancing national interests with the need for open, international research networks.
3. Freedom of Expression in the Age of Social Media
Social media brings visibility but also vulnerability. The discussion will consider how to protect scholars facing backlash, online attacks, harassment and defamation, or pressures to self-censor.
4. Legal Threats: SLAPPs
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and other legal threats can silence critical voices in academia. This session will examine the legal risks and explore potential protections.
Interactive Discussion
After the panel presentations, a moderated discussion will explore practical strategies to uphold academic freedom, with a Q&A session open to participants.
Don't miss this timely conversation designed for scholars, policymakers, institutional leaders, and anyone passionate about protecting academic freedom and democracy.
Please register here
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