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21

May

Save the date! Conference on Academic Freedom, Human Rights and the Role of Academia

21 May 2026 13:00 to 22 May 2026 12:00 | Conference
Lund University library with a blue sky. Photo Johan Person.

Save the date!

Academic independence is increasingly challenged by political pressures and external interests. As scholars face new risks and weakened institutional autonomy, it is vital to reflect on how universities can defend their democratic mission and educational freedom. When critical thinking and academic independence come under pressure, it threatens not only freedom of expression but also human rights. Academic freedom is a cornerstone of democracy and a vital public interest—this conference aims to advance the issue on the public agenda.

Organized by the Human Rights Profile Area at Lund University and the Swedish Institute for Human Rights, the conference welcomes a broad audience. By comparing national contexts across Europe, we will identify shared challenges, highlight variations, and exchange strategies to safeguard academic freedom and strengthen international collaboration.

Key Sessions:
  • Academic Freedom as a Human Right and a Matter of Public Interest: Why academic freedom matters for everyone, not just academics, and how it underpins democracy and pluralism.
  • The Role of Universities in a Politicized and Globalized Landscape: How universities can adapt to political pressures and global market forces while defending their autonomy and democratic mission.
  • Institutional Autonomy and Academic Freedom - Exploring Alternatives in the European Context: Comparative perspectives on governance and funding models that strengthen academic freedom.
  • At Risk in Europe? Measuring and Safeguarding Academic Freedom: Data-driven insights and practical frameworks for understanding and protecting scholars at risk.

Save the date! 
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Organizers:

Human Rights Profile Area at Lund University & Swedish Institute for Human Rights

About the event

Location:

Lund University, LUX:C121, Helgonavägen 3, Lund (Hybrid format – some sessions will be streamed)

Target group:

Open for everyone

Language:

English

Contact:

info [at] humanrights [dot] lu [dot] se