US Science is Under Threat ― Now Scientists Are Fighting Back
Researchers are organizing protests and making their voices heard as Trump officials slash funding and lay off federal scientists.
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Global Concern Grows Over Trump’s "Attack on Science"
Research groups call for academic freedom to be protected amid mass firings and funding freezes
Trump 2.0: an Assault on Science Anywhere is an Assault on Science Everywhere
Trump 2.0: an Assault on Science Anywhere is an Assault on Science Everywhere
US President Donald Trump is taking a wrecking ball to science and to international institutions. The global research community must take a stand against these attacks.
New Research Funding Policies in the USA Will Not Affect the Freedom of Research at the University of Helsinki
New Research Funding Policies in the USA Will Not Affect the Freedom of Research at the University of Helsinki
"Funding should not be sought at any cost, such as by removing certain words from research proposals," says Vice-Rector Anne Portaankorva from the University of Helsinki.
'Afraid to Talk': Researchers Fear the End for Science in Venezuela
A lack of funding and academic freedom amid a political crackdown leave scientists feeling hopeless and pondering an exodus from the country.
Neutrality’s Effects On Academic Freedom
The idea that universities in the United States—and especially their presidents—should be politically neutral was taking hold long before their recent struggles in responding to the Israel–Hamas war.
Academic freedom "must remain high on the EU agenda"
Legal framework conditions at European level "are not sufficient to deal with infringements of academic freedom”, according to a speaker at a key public debate on the issue.
"This Isn't How Good Scientific Debate Happens": Academics on Culture of Fear in Gender Medicine Research
"This Isn't How Good Scientific Debate Happens": Academics on Culture of Fear in Gender Medicine Research
Review found professionals in the field are scared to discuss views amid risk of reputational damage and online abuse
Promotion of Scientific Freedom and the Safety of Scientists: A New Programme and Call to Action
Promotion of Scientific Freedom and the Safety of Scientists: A New Programme and Call to Action
Science can best flourish in an open and safe ecosystem that encourages the free flow of ideas.
The Future of Academic Freedom
As the Israel-Hamas war provokes claims about unacceptable speech, the ability to debate difficult subjects is in renewed peril.
The Weaponisation of Forensic Research Auditing Will Not Resolve Systemic Research Misconduct
The Weaponisation of Forensic Research Auditing Will Not Resolve Systemic Research Misconduct
The trend for the politically motivated forensic scrutiny of the research records of academics has a chilling effect on academic freedom and distracts from efforts to address more important systemic issues in research integrity.
Politics and Protests Puts Europe's Academic Freedom Policies Under the Spotlight
Politics and Protests Puts Europe's Academic Freedom Policies Under the Spotlight
The pressure for EU legislation to protect academic freedom ramped up towards the end of 2023 when the European Parliament's STOA panel for the future of science and technology set out its plan of action. Amongst other measures, STOA is calling for a formal definition of academic freedom and a monitoring system to ensure these principles are enforced.
Scale of Attacks on Universities 'Mandates More Protection'
Scholars at Risk warns that attacks on higher education are eroding academic freedom globally
No Democracy, No Academia
The assault of Israeli government on democratic institutions and principles is an imminent threat to Israeli academia, which relies on a solid democratic foundation.
Pressure Mounts for European Law to Protect Academic Freedom
The European Parliament's industry, research and energy committee (ITRE) wants to kickstart the process of creating a European regulation to protect academic freedom.
European Universities Face Fresh Challenges to Academic Freedom
Opinion: European universities still face "far too many" restrictions on their autonomy, hindering them from realising their full potential, according to a recent comparative scorecard on university autonomy.
Fears for Academic Freedom As Indonesia Doubles Down on Scientists' Ban
Fears for Academic Freedom As Indonesia Doubles Down on Scientists' Ban
JAKARTA - Indonesian academics have called out the government for banning five foreign scientists after they questioned official claims of an increase in the country's orangutan population, warning that the move sets a disturbing precedent for academic freedom. In a statement to the government, scientists grouped under the Academic Freedom Advocacy Team called the ban […]
European Parliament Launches a Permanent Forum to Protect Academic Freedom
The European Parliament has launched a permanent forum to debate new policies and laws to protect academics in the EU against interference from government or other sources, after experts raised the alarm over the erosion of academic freedom in Europe.
Science and Politics: The Fight for Evolution
As the Turkish government intensified its attacks on the theory of evolution, the academic community rallied to push back. A researcher recounts how she decided to join them.
The US Supreme Court Abortion Verdict is a Tragedy. This is How Research Organizations Can Help
The US Supreme Court Abortion Verdict is a Tragedy. This is How Research Organizations Can Help
In response to the demise of Roe v. Wade, universities and research organizations can support those affected, ensure education and research on abortion continue and advocate for evidence-based policy.
'Free to Think 2021' Report of the Scholars at Risk Academic Freedom Monitoring Project
'Free to Think 2021' Report of the Scholars at Risk Academic Freedom Monitoring Project
Free to Think 2021 is the seventh installment of an annual report by SAR's Academic Freedom Monitoring Project. The report analyzes 332 attacks on higher education communities in 65 countries and territories.
Bristol's Sacking of David Miller Imperils Academic Freedom
The silence of other universities about an apparent clampdown on lawful speech is a betrayal of their mission, says Jonathan Rosenhead.
We Need Authoritarian-proof Higher Education Models
Following the military coup, Burmese faculty and students fear annihilation of a budding modern higher education system, says Kyaw Moe Tun.
Academic Freedom Must Include the Right to Criticise Employers
England's free speech bill should outlaw gag orders that stifle revelations of bad practice, says an anonymous author.
Viewpoint: Academic Freedom Needs European Protection
This year will be crucial for the future development of the European Research Area (ERA), but one of its fundamental principles is being neglected: academic freedom. Academic freedom is under threat and Europe needs to act.
Germany Too Dependent on Confucius Institutes, Minister Warns
In unprecedented comments ahead of federal elections in September, Anja Karliczek applauds university that shuttered its institute.
Russian Climate Scientists Upset by Ministry's Call for 'alternative' Research
Russian Climate Scientists Upset by Ministry's Call for 'alternative' Research
Ministry of Foreign Affairs says "forced" consensus on climate change is not favorable to Russia.
Danish Academics Fear for Freedom After MPs Condemn 'activism'
Parliamentary resolution seen as culmination of a campaign against gender, race and migration scholarship.
'Superagency' May Further Politicize Indonesian Research
'Superagency' May Further Politicize Indonesian Research
Indonesia has dismantled its science ministry and created an overarching national research agency, a move some scientists worry will strengthen political control over research in a country where academic freedom is already under pressure and politics have taken an authoritarian turn.
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