European Universities Unite to Defend Academic Freedom Amid Global Uncertainty
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European universities have reaffirmed their dedication to academic freedom amid rising concerns over political pressures affecting science and research in the United States. At the recent CIVICA Global Forum, higher education leaders examined the implications of the Trump administration’s increasingly adversarial stance on science funding, while advocating for a united, open, and resilient academic Europe.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the new “Choose Europe” initiative, designed to attract leading international researchers to European institutions. Without explicitly naming the US, von der Leyen emphasised, “Europe must remain the home of academic and scientific freedom.”
While European universities have observed increased interest from American scientists, leaders cautioned against celebrating this as a simple gain. Manuel Muñiz, Provost of IE University, warned that the erosion of US research capabilities could hinder global scientific advancement. “This diminishes the capacity of colleagues across the Atlantic to do very important things,” he noted.
Cornelia Woll, President of Germany’s Hertie School, echoed this view, asserting that Europe must serve as a global sanctuary for academic freedom amid growing populist and autocratic trends. “Knowledge is mobile, and we will host it,” she declared.
Europe’s diverse and international higher education ecosystem is well placed to welcome researchers seeking new opportunities. Ikhlaq Sidhu, Dean of the IE School of Science & Technology, observed that mid-level faculty, often vulnerable due to funding uncertainties, may be most inclined to relocate. He highlighted the innovative and entrepreneurial mindset these scholars bring to Europe’s more structured academic environments.
In an era of global uncertainty, forum speakers stressed the vital role of universities in maintaining public trust and cultural relevance. Jeremy Perelman of Sciences Po underscored the need for universities to demonstrate their societal value beyond pure research, especially amid contentious debates on climate change and international conflicts.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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