Truth Matters: The Concrete Commitment of the SAR FWB Section to Scholars in Exile

A Collective and Tangible Commitment in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation

One of the key announcements made during the event was the strengthening of the SAR FWB section, which now brings together all five universities of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the Council of French-speaking rectors (CRef) and ARES. Thanks to funding of €220,000 provided with the support of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and Wallonia-Brussels International (WBI), matched by partner institutions to bring the total budget to €440,000, a pilot programme has been launched to host four at-risk researchers over the next two years.

These scholars, originating from conflict-affected regions such as Sudan, Palestine and Syria, will be able to continue their work in a safe and supportive environment, further affirming the role of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation as a place of refuge for academic research.

Preserving Knowledge in Conflict Zones

Many researchers are forced into exile as a result of armed conflicts, civil wars, or systematic persecution. The first discussion highlighted that their work and archives are often threatened or destroyed, and with them the memory of past violence risks being lost. Yet these scholars play a crucial role: preserving knowledge, documenting the truth, and transmitting the memory of conflicts to future generations.

In such circumstances, European universities have a responsibility to support and contribute to initiatives that safeguard intellectual heritage. During this first panel discussion, the speakers emphasised that universities do not provide “revealed truths”; rather, they offer methods of verification and spaces for critical debate that are essential for distinguishing facts from opinions.

The Challenges of Exile and Research in the Face of Power

During the second panel discussion, several testimonies illustrated the precarious situation faced by academics forced into exile, whether because their research challenged official government narratives or because of the dangerous conditions created by situations of war. Beyond physical threats, these individuals often face complex bureaucratic barriers, linguistic isolation, and uncertainty regarding a possible return to their home countries. In this context, international solidarity and strong academic networks emerged as vital tools for breaking the silence imposed upon them.

Contemporary Threats and the Role of Public Authorities in Europe

The final panel provided an analysis of developments in academic freedom in Europe. Long regarded as a global stronghold in this area, Europe is now facing growing vulnerabilities and internal threats. The discussion examined the legacy of the Humboldtian model – based on institutional autonomy and the unity of teaching and research – in light of contemporary realities, where the value of knowledge is increasingly shaped by economic efficiency, speed, and expectations of “return on investment”.

This reflection helped identify practical areas for vigilance in institutional governance, drawing in particular on recommendations published by the European University Association (EUA) and on the work of the Council of Europe aimed at strengthening the resilience of academic freedoms. Participants also stressed the importance of the political and financial support required to safeguard the core values of higher education.

Beyond serving as a place of refuge, Europe must continue to play a leading global role in actively defending these fundamental values.