As the world witnesses increasing conflict and limits on freedom of expression, members of the academic community can be put at risk due to their research.
The EUI has historically held the protection of academic freedom as one of its core values and remains as committed as ever in its support for at-risk scholars facing threats due to their work, ethnicity, religion, gender, or political opinions.
Understanding the seriousness of the threat to academic freedom and the need for comprehensive and integrated support for scholars at risk, the EUI stands proudly as a member of several initiatives to support this important cause. In addition to being part of the Scholars at Risk (SAR) network, the EUI also cooperates with the Scholar Rescue Fund at the Institute for International Education (SRF-IIE), as well as the ‘University Corridors for Refugees’ (UNICORE), where it stands side-by-side with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. On a local level, the EUI works in partnership with Caritas Florence and the Dioceses of Fiesole in welcoming and lodging asylum-seekers and refugees.
The EUI has also supported the EUI Refugee Initiative, in partnership with Caritas Florence and the Dioceses of Fiesole, which welcomes and hosts Afghan refugees at the EUI.
Through its academic programmes and partnerships with different institutions, the EUI has offered several scholarships for asylum seekers, refugee students, and scholars whose freedom has been at risk and affected by conflict situations, such as the invasion of Ukraine and the escalation of violence in the Middle East.
And yet the magnitude of the risk faced by scholars worldwide demands we do more. Now, more than ever, the EUI re-states its foundational belief that evidence-based research aimed at better understanding our world should not be silenced by artillery, natural disasters, the consequences of climate change, political persecution, or discrimination on ethnic, religious, or gender grounds.
The EUI’s doors are open to the world
The EUI offers a variety of academic programmes that ensure scholars from all over the world can continue their important work in a safe and nurturing environment. Taught in English, the EUI academic programmes provide immediate relief and integrate students and scholars into a vibrant and multi-cultural academic community, supporting their long-term professional and personal development and their contribution to global research and policymaking.
Get involved
If you share the EUI’s commitment to academic freedom and wish to support its efforts in welcoming students and scholars at risk, we invite you to make a donation. Your contribution will help fund scholarships and fellowships, making a real difference in their lives.
Donation details
- ISTITUTO UNIVERSITARIO EUROPEO
IBAN: IT38A0306902887100000000569
SWIFT CODE: BCITITMM
Description text: SOLIDARITY WITH SCHOLARS AT RISK
Please note that the EUI accepts contributions of up to € 5000 via bank transfer.
If you are a scholar at risk, or if you wish to know other ways to support the EUI’s efforts on behalf of this vital community, please contact the Development and External Relations Service.
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