Truth Matters: Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Scholars at Risk

Scholars at Risk is an international network of higher-education and research institutions, together with individual members, committed to protecting scholars who are threatened because of their work, viewpoints or identity, and to defending the right to free inquiry and academic freedom.

In recent years, the space for independent scholarship and open dialogue has shrunk worldwide. According to SAR’s monitoring projects, hundreds of attacks on higher-education communities have been documented across a large number of countries.

In these challenging times the theme “Truth Matters” is of particular significance. Safeguarding truth, knowledge and integrity is not just an academic matter; it is of vital societal concern. By coming together to reflect on academic freedom and the protection of scholars under threat, we reaffirm our shared responsibility to ensure that knowledge remains credible, independent and accessible.

During the event we have a unique opportunity to reflect on academic freedom, the protection of scholars in vulnerable situations and SAR’s global mission; to uphold truth, scholarship and solidarity. We will engage in conversation about how the theme “Truth Matters” is linked to our research, teaching and our broader societal responsibility.

This celebration will be held as the concluding component of the international, interdisciplinary Mis(sing) Information Conference, hosted by Örebro University, funded by the Riksbankens Jubileumsfond and organised within the framework of Örebro University’s research profile Crises and Transformations.

Time and Place

10 December 2025 | 15:30–17:00
BIO Hörsal, Forumhuset, Campus Almby

Link to registration

Following the panel discussion, a reception will be held, offering drinks and canapés (including non-alcoholic and vegan/vegetarian options).

We hope you will join this final session on the Nobel Day, engage in the discussion and stay for the reception. Together we will demonstrate our support and solidarity with scholars around the world and to underscore the importance of protecting our own academic freedom.

Program

15.30 - 17.00 Scholars at Risk – Truth Matters

Opening speech: Vice-Chancellor Åke Ingerman, Örebro University, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation at Örebro University Professor Dimitri Beeckman, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation, inclusion and diversity at Bielefeld University Professor Michaela Vogt.

Panel discussion

Chair: Associate Professor Magnus Kristoffersson, Örebro University.

Panel:

• Associate Professor Svitlana Mazepa, West Ukrainian National University.
• Professor Nicolas Nicoli, University of Nicosia.
• Professor Mats Deutschmann, Örebro University.
• Professor Michaela Vogt, Bielefeld University.
• Dr Aviezer Tucker, University of Ostrava and Harvard University, Davis Center for Russian & Eurasian Studies.
• Closing remarks: Dean of HS-faculty, Örebro University Professor Susanne Strand.