Amid unpredictable geopolitical shifts, the commitment to academic freedom faces increasing pressure–including across Europe. In 2026, the Berlin Brandenburg Academic Freedom Week (BBAFW) will focus on the themes of safeguarding and (re)construction. We will examine the complex dynamics shaping the individual trajectories of at-risk academics, students, and artists. Simultaneously, we will discuss effective strategies and practices for safeguarding and reconstructing academic freedom at both regional and transnational levels.

About Berlin Brandenburg Academic Freedom Week

Initiatives and institutions are working worldwide to counter the erosion of academic freedom. They raise awareness, promote solidarity, and advocate for concrete protection mechanisms and sustainable programs for scholars, artists, and students at risk.

The 2026 Berlin Brandenburg Academic Freedom Week is the result of a collaborative effort between: the Scholars at Risk Section Berlin-Brandenburg, the Berlin University Alliance, together with European and international scientific and cultural partners.

Through cultural events, public discussions, and workshops we want to strengthen engagement with academic freedom within and beyond scientific communities.

Main Organisers

Scholars at Risk Berlin-Brandenburg | Berlin University Alliance

Universities, Institutions, Centres (alphabetical):

Bard College Berlin | Berlin Center for Global Engagement | BUA Cluster of Excellence SCRIPTS| BUA Postdoc Academy | Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin | Centre Marc Bloch | DAAD Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst | Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) | Filmuniversität Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF | Freie Universität Berlin | Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin | Institut français Berlin | Technische Universität Berlin | Universität der Künste Berlin | Universität Potsdam

with the support of: Ambassade de France en Allemagne | Berlin University Alliance | Institut français Deutschland | Philipp Schwartz-Initiative