The update from Rob Quinn, SAR's Executive Director, offers a comprehensive summary of the accomplishments and challenges faced by the Scholars at Risk (SAR) network in 2024. SAR continues its critical mission to support at-risk scholars and uphold academic freedom worldwide.
Key Highlights:
- Significant Support for Scholars:
- Facilitated 164 career and life-saving opportunities for threatened scholars, with additional support organized by network members.
- Examples include Ukrainian, Sudanese, and Ethiopian scholars hosted at prestigious institutions like Syracuse University and UC San Diego.
- Academic Freedom Advocacy:
- Released the 2024 Annual Report and the "Free to Think 2024" document, detailing global threats to academic freedom and showcasing SAR’s impact.
- Network Growth and Solidarity:
- Convened global events like the SAR Global Congress in Vilnius and the SAR U.S. Section General Assembly in Pittsburgh, fostering collaboration and commitment to academic freedom.
- Looking Ahead to 2025:
- Plans to celebrate SAR’s 25th anniversary with initiatives that strengthen global academic freedom efforts.
Ongoing Challenges:
SAR anticipates future obstacles such as visa and migration restrictions, censorship on sensitive research topics, and hostile rhetoric undermining education. These challenges underscore the urgency of SAR’s mission to protect scholars and defend academic values.
Opportunities for Involvement:
- Institutions can host at-risk scholars or support research fellowships.
- Current initiatives include hosting opportunities for scholars from Belarus, Pakistan, and Yemen.
- Applications are open for various academic fellowships and programs that align with SAR’s mission.
For more information, visit SAR’s 2024 Annual Report or explore specific opportunities through the organization’s communication channels.