- SAR launched its newest cohort of Mellon/SAR Academic Freedom Fellows.
- Fellows will receive research stipends and professional support to work on projects related to academic freedom.
- The program includes eight months of virtual workshops and project development.
Learn more about the fellows and their projects »
Scholars Seeking Hosts
SAR is actively seeking institutions to host at-risk scholars in research or teaching positions. Featured scholars include:
- Afghan Political Science Scholar: Expertise in human rights and women's rights; seeks a position starting May 2025.
- Colombian Legal Scholar: Specializes in constitutional law, gender, and democracy; seeks a position in North America immediately.
- Palestinian Bioinformatics Scholar: Focused on machine learning for colorectal cancer research; seeks a position anywhere immediately.
Contact SAR at hostingatSAR@nyu.edu if interested.
Launch of SEACAF: The Southeast Asian Coalition for Academic Freedom
- December 2024 marked the official launch of SEACAF, hosted by Mahidol University in Thailand.
- Advocates from Southeast Asia convened to strengthen protections for academic freedom, integrating frameworks like the UN SDGs and the Surabaya Principles.
- SEACAF aims to create regional solidarity and advocate for scholars facing attacks based on gender, race, or cultural background.
To join the coalition, email SEACAF Director Bencharat Chua at director@seacaf.org.
New Podcast Season: “Free to Think”
- Season 5 launched with Dr. Khoo Ying Hooi, who explores academic freedom and coalition-building in Southeast Asia.
- Quote: “Without being able to talk freely, write freely, and learn freely, there will be a major obstacle for us to advance as a country.”
Listen to the latest episode »
Speaker Series Highlight: Literature as a Tool for Social Change
- Dr. Sarwerasa Rafizada, a Persian literature scholar, spoke at the University of Arkansas.
- She discussed how Afghan women use literature to raise their voices and promote social change.
Listen to Dr. Rafizada’s NPR interview »
Opportunities & Events
- SciLifeLab PULSE Postdoc Program (Deadline: March 31, 2025): Focused on molecular life sciences research and collaboration in Sweden. Relocation assistance provided. Read more »
- Webinar: "The Current State of Academic Freedom in Latin America” (January 29, 2025): A discussion of trends from SAR’s Free to Think 2024 report. Read more »
U.S. Student Advocacy Days 2025 (March 25-26, 2025): Engage with policymakers in Washington, D.C. to advocate for detained scholars and students.
- "New Threats to Academic Freedom and Solidarity" – Khrono (Dec 18, 2024)
The SAR Steering Group in Norway stresses that financial constraints should not deter the protection of at-risk researchers. Academic freedom remains a critical cornerstone for global solidarity, even in challenging times. Read more » - "Promoting Social Justice Through the Transformation of Higher Education" – Mail and Guardian (Dec 16, 2024)
Ivor Baatjes explores the vital role of universities in tackling societal challenges in Southern Africa. The piece highlights SAR’s commitment to equitable access, institutional autonomy, and accountability as pillars of sustainable higher education systems. Read more »
Support SAR
- SAR invites contributions to support their mission of safeguarding academic freedom and advocating for at-risk scholars.