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
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