Documents and tools
The ARES "Documents and tools" page gives you easy access to essential documents, media and tools relating to higher education in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
How can you optimise your search? Enter one or more keywords, then refine the results using the filters (or vice versa) OR use inverted commas to search for an exact phrase.
You can reset the search by deleting the filter criteria.
NOTE: other documents and tools are available in the French version of the website.
6 résultat(s)
6 résultat(s)
Universities in Action: Adapting Support, Strengthening Integration, Defending Freedom
Event by the Scholars at Risk section in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation – "Universities in Action: Adapting Support, Strengthening Integration, Defending Freedom", June 3d, 2025, Brussels
In a world where academic freedom is increasingly under threat, an event organised in Brussels by the Scholars at Risk section in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (SAR FWB) brought together academic institutions, public actors, and international organisations around a common goal: to strengthen support systems for at-risk researchers and reaffirm universities’ commitment to academic freedom.
Three main themes structured the discussions: how to adapt support mechanisms to the realities of displaced researchers, how to foster their long-term integration into French-speaking academic communities, and how to uphold academic values in international partnerships.
The discussions highlighted deep human challenges faced by displaced individuals: loss of academic recognition, emotional uprooting, and pressure for rapid integration. International, European and local programs were presented, showcasing various approaches - from emergency hosting to long-term support - with particular attention to language, career transition, and mental health.
The event also raised sensitive questions: how to approach partnerships with institutions in countries where academic freedom is violated? How to distinguish individual collaborations from institutional commitments? And how to ensure that researchers themselves do not become collateral victims of these decisions?
This moment of collective reflection allowed for the sharing of inspiring practices, strengthening of synergies among stakeholders, and reaffirmation of a strong conviction: universities must remain places of refuge, dialogue, and rebuilding.
Download the full report in English
Les universités en action : adapter le soutien, renforcer l'intégration, défendre la liberté
Événement de la section Scholars at Risk en Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles – « Les universités en action : adapter le soutien, renforcer l'intégration, défendre la liberté », 3 juin 2025, Bruxelles
Dans un monde où les libertés académiques sont de plus en plus menacées, un événement organisé à Bruxelles par la section Scholars at Risk en Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles a réuni institutions académiques, acteurs publics et organisations internationales autour d’un objectif commun : renforcer les dispositifs d’accueil pour les chercheur·euses en danger et réaffirmer l’engagement des universités en faveur de la liberté académique.
Trois grands axes ont structuré les échanges : comment adapter les mécanismes de soutien aux réalités des chercheur·euses déplacé·es, comment favoriser leur intégration durable dans les communautés académiques francophones, et comment préserver les valeurs académiques dans les partenariats internationaux.
Les discussions ont mis en lumière des défis humains profonds rencontrés par des personnes déplacées : perte de reconnaissance académique, déracinement émotionnel, pression à l’intégration rapide. Des programmes internationaux, européens et locaux ont été présentés, illustrant des approches variées - de l’accueil d’urgence à l’accompagnement sur le long terme - avec une attention particulière portée à la langue, à la reconversion professionnelle et à la santé mentale.
L’événement a aussi soulevé des questions sensibles : comment aborder des partenariats avec des institutions dans des pays où la liberté académique est bafouée ? Comment distinguer les collaborations individuelles des engagements institutionnels ? Et comment éviter que les chercheur·euses eux-mêmes ne deviennent des victimes collatérales de ces décisions ?
Ce moment de réflexion collective a permis de partager des pratiques inspirantes, de renforcer les synergies entre acteur·rices, et de réaffirmer une conviction forte : les universités doivent rester des lieux de refuge, de dialogue et de reconstruction.
Télécharger le compte-rendu complet en français
Universities in Action: Defending Academic Freedom & Supporting At-Risk Scholars
Every day, scholars around the world face threats to their safety, their research, and their freedom to think, teach, and speak. Universities and other higher education institutions have a responsibility - not just to offer refuge, but to create real opportunities for these scholars to rebuild their careers and contribute to academic life.
On June 3d, 2025, in Brussels, join key academic leaders, experts, and at-risk scholars themselves for an essential conversation on how higher education institutions can effectively support at-risk scholars, foster their integration in a French-speaking academic environment, and uphold academic freedom in an increasingly challenging global landscape.
This event, co-organised by the members of the Scholars at Risk section in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (CRef, ARES, ULB, UCLouvain, and ULiège), will offer inspiring insights, practical recommendations, and a space for meaningful exchange, culminating in a networking reception intended to build connections with peers and experts working at the forefront of academic freedom.
Programme highlights:
- Adapting support to crises: how can organisations and universities adapt their support mechanisms to the diverse and evolving crises faced by scholars at risk?
- Integrating scholars at risk in the French-speaking academic environment: what are the key barriers and good practices to the integration of displaced researchers in French-speaking institutions?
- Preserving academic freedom in partnerships: how can universities navigate the balance between international collaboration and ethical considerations?
Registration is mandatory – don’t miss out !
Secure your spot now by filling out the registration form.
Registrations are open until 20 May 2025.
We hope you’ll join us for this important discussion and we encourage you to share this event with anyone in your network who might be interested.
Universities in Action: Defending Academic Freedom & Supporting At-Risk Scholars
Every day, scholars around the world face threats to their safety, their research, and their freedom to think, teach, and speak. Universities and other higher education institutions have a responsibility - not just to offer refuge, but to create real opportunities for these scholars to rebuild their careers and contribute to academic life.
On June 3d, 2025, in Brussels, join key academic leaders, experts, and at-risk scholars themselves for an essential conversation on how higher education institutions can effectively support at-risk scholars, foster their integration in a French-speaking academic environment, and uphold academic freedom in an increasingly challenging global landscape.
This event, co-organised by the members of the Scholars at Risk section in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (CRef, ARES, ULB, UCLouvain, and ULiège), will offer inspiring insights, practical recommendations, and a space for meaningful exchange, culminating in a networking reception intended to build connections with peers and experts working at the forefront of academic freedom.
Programme highlights:
- Adapting support to crises: how can organisations and universities adapt their support mechanisms to the diverse and evolving crises faced by scholars at risk?
- Integrating scholars at risk in the French-speaking academic environment: what are the key barriers and good practices to the integration of displaced researchers in French-speaking institutions?
- Preserving academic freedom in partnerships: how can universities navigate the balance between international collaboration and ethical considerations?
Registration is mandatory – don’t miss out !
Secure your spot now by filling out the registration form.
Registrations are open until 20 May 2025.
We hope you’ll join us for this important discussion and we encourage you to share this event with anyone in your network who might be interested.
Cartographie
Cartographie des initiatives prises par les établissements d'enseignement supérieur en faveur des migrants, des réfugiés et des académiques et chercheurs en danger.
The Launching Event of the Scholars at Risk – Wallonia-Brussels Federation Section
Scholars at Risk is an international network of higher education institutions dedicated to protecting and supporting scholars whose life and academic work is at risk due to threats to their freedom, safety, and well-being.
The members of the new Scholars at Risk Wallonia-Brussels Federation section are proud to join their forces to establish a dedicated section to champion academic freedom and human rights. Drawing upon their collective experience of hosting and supporting academics and researchers in danger for many years now, this collaboration aims to develop more resources to help and host scholars at risk, raise the profile of the numerous actions being taken by the members in this area, and optimise the sharing of experiences and good practices between institutions.
We look forward to your presence at this significant event as we come together to support academic freedom, defend human rights, and stand in solidarity with scholars facing threats around the world. By uniting our efforts and sharing our experiences, we can create a brighter future for scholars at risk and uphold the fundamental principles of education and freedom.
« The Launching Event of the Scholars at Risk – Wallonia-Brussels Federation Section »
Brussels · November 21, 2023 · 1:15 PM - 5:20 PM, followed by a networking reception until 6:30 PM
Event Highlights
- Keynote Addresses: Eminent scholars and human rights advocates will share their insights into the importance of academic freedom and the role of higher education institutions in promoting it.
- Panel Discussions: Engage in thought-provoking discussions on the challenges scholars face globally and the initiatives taken to protect and support them.
- Networking Reception: Connect with fellow academics, students, and advocates for academic freedom during the reception following the event.
Date
November 21, 2023
Time
1:15 PM - 5:20 PM, followed by a networking reception until 6:30 PM.
Venue
Fondation Universitaire (Salle A)
Rue d’Egmont, 11
1000 Brussels
Audience
This event is free of charge and open to the public. Researchers, students, scholars at risk who have been or are being hosted by institutions, HEIs’ international relations officers, admissions, foundations, human rights organisations are particularly encouraged to take part.
Please feel free to share the invitation to this event with anyone who might be interested.
How to Register
To secure your spot, please fill in the webform by November 10, 2023.
Contact Information
For inquiries, please contact Alexia Vercruysse:
alexia.vercruysse@ares-ac.be or international@ares-ac.be
