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Event by the Scholars at Risk section in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation – "Universities in Action: Adapting Support, Strengthening Integration, Defending Freedom", June 3d, 2025, Brussels

In a world where academic freedom is increasingly under threat, an event organised in Brussels by the Scholars at Risk section in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (SAR FWB) brought together academic institutions, public actors, and international organisations around a common goal: to strengthen support systems for at-risk researchers and reaffirm universities’ commitment to academic freedom.

Three main themes structured the discussions: how to adapt support mechanisms to the realities of displaced researchers, how to foster their long-term integration into French-speaking academic communities, and how to uphold academic values in international partnerships.

The discussions highlighted deep human challenges faced by displaced individuals: loss of academic recognition, emotional uprooting, and pressure for rapid integration. International, European and local programs were presented, showcasing various approaches - from emergency hosting to long-term support - with particular attention to language, career transition, and mental health.

The event also raised sensitive questions: how to approach partnerships with institutions in countries where academic freedom is violated? How to distinguish individual collaborations from institutional commitments? And how to ensure that researchers themselves do not become collateral victims of these decisions?

This moment of collective reflection allowed for the sharing of inspiring practices, strengthening of synergies among stakeholders, and reaffirmation of a strong conviction: universities must remain places of refuge, dialogue, and rebuilding.

Download the full report in English

Événement de la section Scholars at Risk en Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles – « Les universités en action : adapter le soutien, renforcer l'intégration, défendre la liberté », 3 juin 2025, Bruxelles

Dans un monde où les libertés académiques sont de plus en plus menacées, un événement organisé à Bruxelles par la section Scholars at Risk en Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles a réuni institutions académiques, acteurs publics et organisations internationales autour d’un objectif commun : renforcer les dispositifs d’accueil pour les chercheur·euses en danger et réaffirmer l’engagement des universités en faveur de la liberté académique.

Trois grands axes ont structuré les échanges : comment adapter les mécanismes de soutien aux réalités des chercheur·euses déplacé·es, comment favoriser leur intégration durable dans les communautés académiques francophones, et comment préserver les valeurs académiques dans les partenariats internationaux.

Les discussions ont mis en lumière des défis humains profonds rencontrés par des personnes déplacées : perte de reconnaissance académique, déracinement émotionnel, pression à l’intégration rapide. Des programmes internationaux, européens et locaux ont été présentés, illustrant des approches variées - de l’accueil d’urgence à l’accompagnement sur le long terme - avec une attention particulière portée à la langue, à la reconversion professionnelle et à la santé mentale.

L’événement a aussi soulevé des questions sensibles : comment aborder des partenariats avec des institutions dans des pays où la liberté académique est bafouée ? Comment distinguer les collaborations individuelles des engagements institutionnels ? Et comment éviter que les chercheur·euses eux-mêmes ne deviennent des victimes collatérales de ces décisions ?

Ce moment de réflexion collective a permis de partager des pratiques inspirantes, de renforcer les synergies entre acteur·rices, et de réaffirmer une conviction forte : les universités doivent rester des lieux de refuge, de dialogue et de reconstruction.

Télécharger le compte-rendu complet en français

Every day, scholars around the world face threats to their safety, their research, and their freedom to think, teach, and speak. Universities and other higher education institutions have a responsibility - not just to offer refuge, but to create real opportunities for these scholars to rebuild their careers and contribute to academic life.

On June 3d, 2025, in Brussels, join key academic leaders, experts, and at-risk scholars themselves for an essential conversation on how higher education institutions can effectively support at-risk scholars, foster their integration in a French-speaking academic environment, and uphold academic freedom in an increasingly challenging global landscape.

This event, co-organised by the members of the Scholars at Risk section in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (CRef, ARES, ULB, UCLouvain, and ULiège), will offer inspiring insights, practical recommendations, and a space for meaningful exchange, culminating in a networking reception intended to build connections with peers and experts working at the forefront of academic freedom.

Programme highlights:

• Adapting support to crises: how can organisations and universities adapt their support mechanisms to the diverse and evolving crises faced by scholars at risk?
• Integrating scholars at risk in the French-speaking academic environment: what are the key barriers and good practices to the integration of displaced researchers in French-speaking institutions?
• Preserving academic freedom in partnerships: how can universities navigate the balance between international collaboration and ethical considerations?

PROGRAMME

Registration is mandatory – don’t miss out !
Secure your spot now by filling out the registration form.
Registrations are open until 20 May 2025.

We hope you’ll join us for this important discussion and we encourage you to share this event with anyone in your network who might be interested.

Every day, scholars around the world face threats to their safety, their research, and their freedom to think, teach, and speak. Universities and other higher education institutions have a responsibility - not just to offer refuge, but to create real opportunities for these scholars to rebuild their careers and contribute to academic life.

On June 3d, 2025, in Brussels, join key academic leaders, experts, and at-risk scholars themselves for an essential conversation on how higher education institutions can effectively support at-risk scholars, foster their integration in a French-speaking academic environment, and uphold academic freedom in an increasingly challenging global landscape.

This event, co-organised by the members of the Scholars at Risk section in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (CRef, ARES, ULB, UCLouvain, and ULiège), will offer inspiring insights, practical recommendations, and a space for meaningful exchange, culminating in a networking reception intended to build connections with peers and experts working at the forefront of academic freedom.

Programme highlights:

• Adapting support to crises: how can organisations and universities adapt their support mechanisms to the diverse and evolving crises faced by scholars at risk?
• Integrating scholars at risk in the French-speaking academic environment: what are the key barriers and good practices to the integration of displaced researchers in French-speaking institutions?
• Preserving academic freedom in partnerships: how can universities navigate the balance between international collaboration and ethical considerations?

PROGRAMME

Registration is mandatory – don’t miss out !
Secure your spot now by filling out the registration form.
Registrations are open until 20 May 2025.

We hope you’ll join us for this important discussion and we encourage you to share this event with anyone in your network who might be interested.

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