News

Network announcements, press releases and other updates from Scholars at Risk.

SAR’s August 2026 Newsletter

Scholars at Risk is pleased to share our August 2026 newsletter, which includes: SAR warmly welcomes the 2026/27 cohort of Academic Freedom Fellows! From Kabul to Vechta: Wahida’s research will shed light on experiences of Afghan refugees in Germany Academic

“Universities are more important than ever, even in times of conflict.” Dr. Robert Egnell on why Truth Matters at the Swedish Defence University

This year, SAR celebrates 25 years of a global academic freedom movement strong enough to meet the challenges ahead. In this special series, we are inviting partners from across the network and around the world to share what the 25th

From Kabul to Vechta: Wahida’s research will shed light on the experiences of Afghan refugees in Germany

Having recently begun an academic position at the University of Vechta, SAR-assisted scholar Wahida R. reflects on the role of her research and human rights work in amplifying the voice of “millions of Afghan women and girls,” five years since

“All science is about truth. And if it is not, it is ideology.” Prof. Dr. Lilli Gast on why Truth Matters at the International Psychoanalytic University (IPU)

Venezuela: SAR and partners file submission to the UN Periodic Review

In July 2026, SAR—in collaboration with the Coalition for Academic Freedom in the Americas (CAFA), Aula Abierta, and the Human Rights Clinic of the Human Rights Research and Education Centre, University of Ottawa—submitted a report on Venezuela to the United

“Light, Life, Liberty:” President Andreas Marx on why Truth Matters at the University of Jena

“We can become more powerful in our struggle if we unite” | Camilla Croso on why Truth Matters at the Coalition for Academic Freedom in the Americas (CAFA)

Public Comment: OMB’s proposed rule on federal financial assistance

In response to the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed Rule “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” (OMB-2026-0034) posted on May 29, 2026, SAR submitted the following public comment. SAR warned that the proposed rule would politicize the federal grantmaking and

SAR’s July 2026 Newsletter

Scholars at Risk is pleased to share our July 2026 newsletter, which includes: Last call to share your feedback in the 2025-2026 SAR Membership survey! New ‘Truth Matters’ podcast series features higher ed leaders across SAR network Perspectives from the

“We should be active in communicating what we stand for.” Rector Martin Paul on why Truth Matters at Ruhr University Bochum

Challenging the Status Quo: Perspectives from the Indonesian Campus Workers’ Union

Rafiqa Qurrata A’yun (2025/2026 Mellon/SAR Academic Freedom Fellow) and Yesaya Sandang, Indonesian Campus Workers’ Union/Serikat Pekerja Kampus “The work of protecting those who think, teach, research, and care for institutions of learning is never finished. It is, however, always worth

“Truth exists. You cannot suffocate it like a fire.” | A supporter spotlight with Michele Irwin

As part of our anniversary celebration, we are launching a Supporter Spotlight series to highlight the individuals who make up the strength of the Scholars at Risk Network. Michele Irwin has been a dedicated SAR donor and advocate for academic

Podcast: “There can be no justice without the search for truth.” Anne Weyembergh on why Truth Matters at the Université libre de Bruxelles

Globalizing the Defense of Academic Freedom | Guest essay in UNICA Newsletter

On June 2, 2026, UNICA (Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe) published a guest essay written by SAR Executive Director Rob Quinn exploring how the SAR network, partners, and higher education community broadly can provide meaningful protection to

Defending wrongfully imprisoned scholars, universities, and democracies under attack: Insights from the 2026 European Student Advocacy Days

On February 19-20, 2026, network member MCI | The Entrepreneurial School honored Scholars at Risk’s 25th anniversary year by hosting SAR’s annual European Student Advocacy Days in Innsbruck, Austria. The two-day event convened around 90 students, faculty, and university representatives

Violent Repression and Government Overreach Fuel Global Decline in Academic Freedom, Free to Think 2026 Report Finds

NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2026—Violent state repression and government interference in university autonomy lead the global decline in academic freedom, according to Scholars at Risk’s (SAR) new Free to Think 2026 report. Documenting 382 attacks on higher education communities in

Introducing Scholars at Risk

Scholars at Risk is an international network of institutions and individuals whose mission it is to protect scholars and promote academic freedom. Learn more about SAR’s mission and the courageous scholars we are honored to assist in the below video

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