Geopolitical tensions and conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa increasingly affect international academic cooperation. Travel restrictions, political uncertainties, and legal frameworks can complicate research collaborations, mobility, and scholarly exchange—particularly when partner institutions are affected by crises. As part of Academic Freedom Week at TU Berlin, this round table brings together researchers and key university actors to share experiences from collaborations with partner institutions in the region and to discuss current challenges for international cooperation. The discussion will focus on the possibilities universities have to support their partners when academic institutions are affected by crisis or conflict, and on how academic networks can be sustained in solidarity and collaboratively strengthened or rebuilt under such circumstances.

Event title: Academic Freedom under Pressure: Academic Cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa

Organizer: Technische Universität Berlin

Date and time: May 19th, 4-6 p.m.

Location: Straße des 17. Juni 135

Format: In-person, internal to TU Berlin

Details: Registration required (link to follow)