SAR News – March 2025
- Courage of Conviction Award:
Scholars at Risk (SAR) received the Courage of Conviction Award from the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights on March 5, 2025. The award recognizes SAR’s efforts to advocate for academic freedom, monitor attacks on higher education, and support student advocacy campaigns for at-risk scholars. - Student Advocacy Seminars:
SAR’s Student Advocacy Seminars have empowered students across the US, Canada, and Europe to campaign for the release of wrongfully imprisoned scholars. This year, Iowa students are collaborating with counterparts in Sweden and Canada and will participate in SAR’s Student Advocacy Days in Washington, DC. - Highlighting Women Scholars:
In honor of International Women’s Day (March 8), SAR spotlighted women scholars seeking academic placements, including experts from Sudan and Ukraine facing risks due to conflict. - Dr. Encieh Erfani’s Advocacy:
Iranian physicist Dr. Encieh Erfani, exiled after supporting the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement, co-founded the International Community of Iranian Academics (ICOIA). She received the 2025 AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility and continues her advocacy from Canada. - New Team Members:
SAR welcomed new staff, including Sarah Bernstein (Development Officer), Julian Moten (Advocacy Intern), Jasmine Precious (Development Manager), and Zainab Shafi (Program Assistant). - Job Opportunity:
SAR is hiring a Director of Membership & Network Relations to lead membership growth and engagement strategies. - Upcoming Events & Fellowships:
SAR announced several events, including webinars on academic freedom and gendered attacks on higher education. Notable fellowship opportunities include programs from Columbia University, SciLifeLab, AuSpire, and NeuroAdapt.
Overall, the update emphasizes SAR's ongoing commitment to defending academic freedom and supporting scholars at ris