From June 9 to 11, the “Academic Freedom Forum: Truth Matters: Universities, Academic Freedom, and Democracy in a Fragmented World” will take place, organized by Ruhr University Bochum. The forum is dedicated to examining the role of universities in a time of global crises and increasing political, societal, and climate-related challenges. It focuses on the protection of academic freedom, human rights, and democratic values, as well as the question of how higher education institutions can remain capable of action despite growing restrictions on science and public discourse, and how they can contribute to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable societies.
The conference brings together international scholars, higher education leaders, and students to discuss current threats to academic freedom and to develop joint strategies. It takes place on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Scholars at Risk Network and the 10th anniversary of University Without Borders, thereby highlighting the growing global importance of the issue. The forum includes both public events and closed, invitation-only sessions, and offers a program of lectures, panels, workshops, and cultural formats.
The CAIS researchers Dr. Mitra Shamsi and Dr. Tetiana Gorokhova will actively participate in the conference with the following contributions on Thursday, June 11:
- 9:15 AM | “Qu(e)ering Academic Freedom – Perspectives from Iran, South Africa, Uganda and Germany”
Chair: Dr. Stella Nyanzi (PSI Fellow, Ruhr-Universität Bochum)
Speakers: Prof. Dr. Zintombizethu (Zethu) Matebeni (Visiting Professor, Centre for Women & Gender Studies, Nelson Mandela University), Dr. Mitra Shamsi (CAIS), Prof. Dr. Julia Bee (Chair Gender Media Studies, RUB) - 11:00 AM | WG 1b: “Diaspora (Dis-)Connected Academy: Challenges, Opportunities and Impact of Transnational Academic Citizenship”
Chairs: Dr. Olena Zinenko (Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict, Ruhr-Universität Bochum) & Dr. Tetiana Gorokhove (CAIS)) - 1:30 PM | WG 2b: “Trauma-Informed Approaches to Supporting Scholars at Risk (and Their Mentors): Building Resilience and Wellbeing in Exile”
Chair: Dr. Tetiana Gorokhova (CAIS)
Further information can be found on the website of Ruhr-Universität Bochum:
https://international.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/de/academic-freedom-forum