In times of unpredictable geopolitical shifts and increasing autocratic tendencies, this unwavering commitment is facing serious challenges. The 2025 Report from Scholars at Risk and the most recent annual data from the Academic Freedom Index (AFi) show declining levels of academic freedom. The pace of shrinking process of space for academic freedom increased globally over the past decade. Worldwide initiatives seek to reverse the decline of academic freedom by fostering awareness, solidarity and by advocating for concrete protection mechanism for scholars, artists and students.

The Academic Freedom Week 2026 is a product of a concerted collaborative effort from the Berlin University Alliance and Berlin-Brandenburg universities to advocate for the protection of academic freedom and programmes for at-risk scholars. During the week, events are organised across Berlin and Brandenburg universities to foster visibility for researchers at risk and to sustain engagement for academic freedom among and beyond academic communities.

In 2026, the Academic Freedom Week will be placed under the signs of protection and (re)-building. With this common thread, we propose to explore the complex dynamics that shape the trajectories of academics and artists at-risks as well as advocacy practices for academic freedom.

Program and registration will soon be announced.