Open Conversation - Academic Freedom Under Pressure: A Professor’s Perspective

Academic freedom is a precious commodity and a fundamental prerequisite for the free pursuit of scientific knowledge. Beyond the classroom, academics frequently serve as public intellectuals who influence societal debates. From a professor’s standpoint, academic freedom is not an abstract right but a daily practice under pressure.

This talk examines the opportunities and risks of public engagement, considering where the boundaries lie between academic work, personal expression, and political activism.

In addition, this session examines real experiences of censorship, self-censorship, and external interference, and considers how academic can navigate these challenges while maintaining credibility and resilience.

Participants

• Prof. Ivanka Popovic, former rector of the University of Belgrade and current vice-president of the European University Association (EUA)
• Prof. Nemanja Dzuverovic, Faculty of the Political Science, University of Belgrade
• Prof. Sam Smidt, Academic Director, King’s Academy, King's College London
• Prof. Anne-Lise Sibony, Faculty of Law, UCLouvain
• PhD student from the University of Belgrade
• Moderator: Prof. Hannes Grandits, Faculty of Philosophy, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin