Academic freedom is increasingly shaped by forces that extend beyond national borders. Today, universities and researchers operate at the intersection of national regulation, institutional priorities, international collaboration, and global political pressures.
How do these overlapping forces shape what we can investigate, teach, and publish? When funding, collaboration, or diplomatic tensions cross borders, whose rules apply — and whose values prevail?
This panel discussion examines how academic freedom is understood, exercised, and challenged within this complex landscape. By bringing together perspectives on both institutional and individual academic freedom, the panel will consider real-world cases, emerging dilemmas, and the shared responsibilities of researchers, institutions, and policymakers in a globalized knowledge system. The discussion aims to spark reflection and action on how academic freedom can be protected locally, nationally, and internationally.
We are asking:
- What does academic freedom mean for an individual researcher versus for an institution?
- How should universities balance institutional risk management with commitments to open inquiry and academic dissent?
- What responsibilities do researchers, universities, and policymakers have when international collaboration raises ethical, legal, or security dilemmas?
Participants:
- Professor Ivanka Popovic, Vice-President of European University Association (EUA) and former rector at Belgrade University
- Ms. Catherine Dolgova Dreyer, Head of Higher and Further Education Unit, Council of Europe's Education Department
- Johan Erik Andersen, PhD candidate, Department of Political Science and Management
- Vito Laterza, Associate Professor, Department of Global Development and Planning, UiA
This event is part of the Democracy Week in Kristiansand.
Contact person:
- cathrine.tomte@uia.no
- Phone
- +47 38 14 19 69