Scholars at Risk

HSBI is an active member of “Scholars at Risk” (SAR), an international network of over 500 universities from 38 countries. SAR is committed to protecting persecuted scholars, preventing attacks on higher education and promoting academic freedom.

“By joining ‘Scholars at Risk,’ HSBI is showing solidarity with lecturers, researchers and students who are threatened in many countries because they peacefully express their ideas and ask questions,” says President Prof. Dr. Ingeborg Schramm-Wölk. “Academic freedom is one of the core values of universities.  As an SAR member organisation, we demonstrate our commitment and assume the responsibility to maintain and promote freedom of expression both on a local and global level.”

According to the “Free to Think” report recently published by SAR, students and lecturers worldwide are being threatened due to their academic work and opinions. Threats range from travel restrictions and unjustified dismissals to prison sentences and violence. “Attacks on higher education narrow the space in which people can think freely and ask questions about complex and controversial issues,” says Robert Quinn, Executive Director of SAR. “Our member institutions play a central role in protecting scholars who are threatened by these attacks, and thus contribute to a stronger and safer academic community.”

SAR member institutions support persecuted students and lecturers, for example, by providing temporary employment in research and teaching, by publicly condemning attacks on higher education or through initiatives that promote academic freedom. Judith Peltz (judith.peltz@hsbi.de), Head of the International Office, is available to answer any questions you may have about opportunities to engage with Scholars at Risk.

For more information, please visit www.scholarsatrisk.org.

Distinguished Service Award 2020