ALLEA Responds to Continued Attacks on Academic Freedom in the United States

Today, ALLEA has released a new statement in response to the most recent restrictions imposed by the U.S. Administration on the academic sector, re-affirming the importance of upholding the fundamental principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy.

We remain deeply concerned by the continued censorship of research designs and publications in the United States, the increasing marginalisation of scientifically relevant topics from public discourse, and the growing cuts to funding in key areas of research targeted at academic institutions. The new executive orders that freeze billions in federal research funding—including in critical fields such as biomedical and environmental research—are likely to inflict severe harm not only within the U.S. but globally.

We recall the overwhelming response to our previous statement in February 2025, which addressed threats to academic freedom and international research collaboration. That mobilisation, supported by more than 160 research institutions across Europe and beyond, reflected a shared understanding that defending academic freedom is an urgent and universal responsibility. We underscore our continued commitment to standing up against serious threats to the autonomy of science, which are incompatible with the principles of an open and democratic society.

In light of these developments, we call upon all scientific institutions, political decision-makers, and the broader public to recognise and defend the essential role of independent science in the U.S. and worldwide. The statement reiterates the need for clear regulatory frameworks to shield academia from undue interference, to guarantee the rights of scholars and students, and to maintain the autonomy of research. We urge governments across the globe to refrain from coercive actions against academic institutions and instead to engage in constructive dialogue that supports and protects the independence of research and higher education.

Read the full statement here.