ACADEMIC FREEDOM

Academic freedom and institutional autonomy are essential for excellent research and public trust in science. Scholars must be able to pursue their work freely, choose their research agendas, and operate without undue political or external interference. Yet across Europe and beyond, universities, academies, and researchers face increasing pressures that threaten their independence.
ALLEA works to safeguard academic freedom by supporting member academies under political or financial pressure, engaging with policymakers at the European level, and speaking out globally when researchers’ rights are threatened. Through advocacy, statements, and partnerships, ALLEA promotes an environment where critical inquiry, open debate, and scientific discovery can thrive.
Integrating Research Security and Academic Freedom
As part of its renewed science-policy structure, ALLEA established the Task Force on Integrating Research Security and Academic Freedom, which explores how research communities can protect themselves against foreign interference and security risks without compromising openness. Its recommendations guide institutions navigating complex challenges, emphasising that research security and academic freedom must go hand in hand.
Related Activities
European Parliament Forum for Academic Freedom
Expert contributions and policy engagement.
Support for Member Academies
Defending institutions against undue political influence and funding pressures.

Collaboration with Scholars at Risk
Digital conference featuring the President of Ireland and Noam Chomsky on protecting scholars worldwide.
Related News

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ALLEA Publishes Statement Responding to Recent U.S. Restrictions on Academic Freedom

ALLEA Working Group on the ERA Meets at the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters

Event report: European Research Collaboration in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape – How Open Can We Be?

ALLEA Welcomes Motion for European Parliament Resolution on Freedom of Scientific Research

Statement by the ALLEA Board on the Suspension of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus

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Noam Chomsky on Academic Freedom and Intellectual Dissent

Discussing Academic Freedom with the President of Ireland and Noam Chomsky
Academic Freedom and Intellectual Dissent

The Science Academy’s Statement on Boğaziçi University (Turkey)

ALLEA welcomes Bonn Declaration on Freedom of Scientific Research

ALLEA’s reaction to the Parliament’s bill concerning the Hungarian Academy of Sciences

ALLEA, EUA and Science Europe publish joint statement on academic freedom and institutional autonomy

ALLEA reinforces its calls to protect the institutional autonomy and academic freedom of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences

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ALLEA stands with the Central European University

ALLEA co-signs letter by European Science Organisations

Science Academy Istanbul’s Statement on Academics Dismissed from Public Service

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Related Publications
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https://allea.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/allea-statement-continued-attacks-academic-freedom.png 690 483 Iona Casapu https://allea.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/allealogo-1-300x83.png Iona Casapu2025-04-30 12:43:552025-04-30 13:52:53ALLEA Statement on Continued Attacks on Academic Freedom
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ALLEA Statement on Research Collaboration and Research Security in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape
https://allea.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Cover-page-Ukraine-conference-report-2023.png 906 640 alleaadmin https://allea.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/allealogo-1-300x83.png alleaadmin2023-08-04 13:34:402023-08-04 13:35:25One Year of War in Ukraine: Conference Report
https://allea.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Cover_Akademie-im-Dialog.png 590 591 alleaadmin https://allea.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/allealogo-1-300x83.png alleaadmin2017-08-05 14:06:162021-04-08 12:18:15The Freedom of Scientific Research in the Face of Political and Societal Demand
