Διεθνές συνέδριο 2027 για «Ερευνητές Υπό Διωγμό» (SAR Global Congress 2027) και δράσεις των ελληνικών ΑΕΙ για την Ακαδημαϊκή Ελευθερία

The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has been selected to host the SAR Global Congress 2027 from June 15 to 17, 2027 (https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/event/save-the-date-2027-sar-global-congress-june-15-17-2027).
The international network "Scholars at Risk/SAR" has more than 550 members (mainly University institutions) in 42 countries around the world and is a very strong, global movement that provides help and support to academics facing any kind of risk (e.g. displacement due to war, persecution due to their academic work, threats to their freedom or life), offering safe spaces in partner universities.
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is the first Greek University to become a member of the SAR Network. With the initiative of AUTH and coordinated actions since 2018, in October 2021 the establishment of the Greek section of the SAR network (SAR Greece section, https://scholarsatrisk.ionio.gr/gr/) was achieved with founding members, at that time, AUTH, the Ionian University, the University of the Aegean and the University of Thessaly. The SAR Greece Section operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Education.
Supporting academics "at risk" is an obligation of HEIs in the context of the fundamental academic values ​​they serve, academic freedom, unhindered research activity, enrichment of research and teaching and academic excellence. In addition, it gives Greek HEIs access to funding from the EU and other (public or private) bodies to host "at risk" academics, highlights the institutions' extroversion and their recognition at an international level.
AUTH, as the presiding University of SAR Greece, coordinates actions to support academics and researchers from various countries (most recently from Ukraine). In this context, there is regular communication and information with the respective Deputy Minister of Education on Higher Education issues and important steps have been taken towards the creation of a national scholarship program for researchers at risk. At the same time, SAR Greece is looking for alternative ways of financing (e.g. from the Universities' own resources or private bodies) to create temporary positions for persecuted/threatened academics in Greek HEIs. Since its establishment, SAR Greece regularly informs the Rectors' Authorities of HEIs during the Rectors' Meetings. The response is always very positive. In fact, in the conclusions of the 106th Rectors' Synod, in July 2024, the need to support the actions of the member Universities of Scholars at Risk with the support and cooperation of Y.PAI.TH.A. was clearly emphasized. and of I.KY.
The holding of the SAR Global Congress 2027 at AUTH has the warm support of the Rector's Authorities and the responsible Vice-Rector for International Relations, Outreach, Lifelong Learning and Student Affairs, Professor Mr. Iakovos Michailidis, and is an international recognition of the contribution of the Greek member universities of SAR Greece in the practical defense of academic freedom and their leadership role in South-Eastern Europe. We extend an open call to all Greek HEIs to actively participate in the Conference and support the Greek section of Scholars at Risk (SAR Greece). The active contribution of the Greek academic community is decisive for the defense of academic freedom and the practical support of threatened scientists through the implementation of a national scholarship program with the support of YPAITHA and IKY.