OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Over the past decade, universities in Berlin and Brandenburg have welcomed a large number of at-risk scholars. Their flight and exile in Berlin tell stories not only of the geopolitical conflicts of our world but also of the suppression of academic freedom and free speech, of research under threat, and of courage in science. They also highlight the often arduous journey of rebuilding an academic life in Berlin—a journey that at-risk scholars undertake together with the supporting universities.

In a panel consisting of two separate parts this event brings together scholars from Afghanistan, Belarus, Georgia, Palestine, Turkey and Sudan. Beyond each personal narrative we will explore the transnational dynamics of knowledge production in times of forced mobility and the state of academic freedom – both here and there –  in times of geopolitical disruptions. 

The event is part of the Berlin Brandenburg Academic Freedom Week 2026.

with:

Sevil Çakir (Independent Scholar)

Giorgi Meladze (Freie Universität Berlin)

Kahlid Mohammedsalih (Freie Universität Berlin)

Khadija Rahmani (Freie Universität Berlin)

Abed Schokry (Technische Universität Berlin)

Liudmila Tsarova (Europa Universität Viadrina)

Florian Kohstall (Freie Universität Berlin)

Event title: Journeys of Scholarship at Risk

Organizer: Freie Universität Berlin

Date and time: May 19th, 9:30-11:30

Location: Freie Universität Berlin, Semiarzentrum (Silberlaube), Otto-von-Simson Str. 26, 14195 Berlin,  Room L 115,

Format: In-person

Details: Open to the public