Scholars at Risk (SAR) Network
Scholars at Risk is an independent not-for-profit corporation, hosted at New York University.
Academic freedom and institutional autonomy are considered essential rights for higher education institutions to fulfil their mission. They are the pillars of quality education and fundamental attributes for conducting internationally relevant scientific research, thus contributing to the development of society by enabling knowledge transfer, innovation, entrepreneurship and cultural and scientific debate through researchers and scholars.
Academics must be allowed to convey their ideas and opinions, to contribute to open discussions and choose, according to the higher institutions' values, what to put forward in their teaching, research, or publications.
Nevertheless, academic freedom is not a granted right: in many countries, what scholars do, say or think may put them and their dear ones at serious risk, be it in terms of their liberty or well-being.
The mission of the SAR, an international network of institutions and individuals, is to protect threatened scholars and promote academic freedom by, for instance, arranging temporary academic positions at member universities and colleges. In this way, scholars can keep working on their ideas and research until conditions improve and are able to return to their home countries.
USI has been a member of the SAR Network since 2016 sharing those values and principles.
SAR representative: Maurizia Ruinelli, [email protected].
Magna Charta Universitatum
USI has signed the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 (MCU 2020) on 13 November 2025, and thereby confirms its contribution to the construction of an open, sustainable and cooperative academic space, capable of addressing the global challenges of the present with a critical spirit and solidarity.
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USI’s commitment to academic freedom: Call for contributions - Truth Matters
"My own journey as a scholar at risk has revealed both the vulnerability and the resilience of academic freedom. Although much work remains to ensure these freedoms are protected everywhere, I remain hopeful that the global academic community will continue to defend them. Academic freedom is never guaranteed. It must be protected, practiced, and passed on to future generations. And for those of us who have lost it once, its value becomes clearer than ever" - Parwiz Mosamim, PhD researcher, Institute of Communication and Public Policy, USI
On the 25th anniversary of the Scholars at Risk network, which occurs in the academic year 2025–2026, member institutions have been invited to contribute with their own initiatives inspired by the principle “Truth Matters”. USI is a university with a strong international outlook, welcoming people from over 110 different countries among its students, faculty, researchers, and administrative staff. In this multicultural context, USI promotes cultural diversity and equal opportunities, while remaining attentive to current global challenges.
This important anniversary, and the proposed theme “Truth Matters”, represents an opportunity to reaffirm our community’s commitment to the defense of academic freedom. In this regard, an interview was conducted with Professor Jean-Patrick Villeneuve, who offers a highly significant and relevant analysis of the current context. This interview also marks the beginning of a series of open contributions dedicated to academic freedom as seen from various perspectives and fields of study and research, highlighting its interdisciplinary nature: An open and dynamic space that reflects the value of dialogue and a plurality of perspectives.
The contributions in the series are available at the following links:
- Truth Requires Perspectives: A Reflection on Academic Freedom. By Leonardo Manna
- Truth Under Threat: A Scholar at Risk Reflects. By Parwiz Mosamim
The call for contributions remains open, with the aim of enriching this series over time through the involvement of the USI academic community. New contributions are accepted and will be published on an ongoing basis, as part as a shared commitment.
Call for contributions: how to participate
We warmly welcome new contributions from members of the USI academic community. Detailed information about the initiative and how to participate is available at the links below:
We are grateful to all authors for their valuable contributions and for supporting this important initiative!
The initiatives are featured on the dedicated Scholars at Risk website: https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/anniversary-pledge-for-academic-freedom/.
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Information for SAR candidates
Scholars at Risk criteria and application for recognition as a threatened scholar: https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/get-help/. To be eligible, SAR candidates must find a host institute willing to support and be entitled to supervise the collaboration.
Applications for the SAR and SNSF SAR Grant can only be submitted in consultation with the Scholars at Risk representative, Maurizia Ruinelli.For information on current research projects and study areas, please see the following web pages:
Research https://www.usi.ch/en/research
Doctoral studies https://www.usi.ch/en/education/doctoral-studies
Vacancies: https://www.usi.ch/en/university/work-with-us/job-opportunitiesFunding opportunities for researchers: https://www.usi.ch/it/universita/info/servizio-ricerca/funding-opportunities
Funding opportunities for Postdocs: https://www.usi.ch/it/universita/info/servizio-ricerca/funding-opportunities/postdocsAt USI, EURAXESS services are also available to support researchers: https://www.usi.ch/en/research/doing-research/euraxess
In particular, the EURAXESS “Science for Refugees” initiative offers access to job opportunities, career development tools, and practical guidance for labour market integration across Europe.
For a practical guide to labour market integration for researchers in the asylum sector or at risk, see: https://www.euraxess.at/austria/labour-market-integration-refugee-researchers/guide-labour-market-integration-refugee -
Information for USI academic mentors
The International Relations Service will provide administrative assistance and support to USI academics who may be interested in welcoming a SAR candidate within their areas of academic interest and competencies. SAR candidates may be eligible for the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Scholars at Risk grants; they can also be supported by personal academic funds and work on research projects.
Academics interested in learning more about USI’s SAR membership may contact Maurizia Ruinelli, International Relations Service.
The USI academic mentor (professor, research group, or institute) supports the scholar in understanding academic standards and entry requirements, and serves as the main point of contact regarding the terms of the placement, including planned research, teaching and other academic activities, duration, responsibilities, agreement terms, salary, and potential institutional or external funding opportunities.
Volunteer Opportunity: Support At-Risk Scholars Through Proofreading
SAR is looking for volunteers with academic experience, professional proofreading/copy editing skills, or expertise in academic hiring to provide individualized feedback and edits. Given the diverse backgrounds of SAR scholars, they especially welcome volunteers from all academic disciplines who can offer subject-specific insights and knowledge of country-specific job market expectations.
For more details on program expectations, time commitment, and how to get involved, please visit the SAR website . -
Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) financial support
The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) offers financial support for placements of scholars under threat at Swiss higher education institutions. Funding is limited annually and is awarded on a rolling basis. The application window opens in November of the previous year. The scheme foresees an amount of CHF 75,000 for the first 12 months. It also offers a one-time possibility for grants to be extended by CHF25,000 for a second year, matching additional funds from the institutions are required. Assessment by the Scholars at Risk as being under threat is required. More information is available in the Quicklink.
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Collaborations
- Scholars at Risk Network
- The SAR Swiss Section (SAR Switzerland) promotes the values, mission and activities of Scholars at Risk by hosting scholars at threat, lobbying, sharing information on good practice and initiating joint activities.
- The Research and Transfer Service supports researchers of the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI). Its main objective is to provide support to researchers with regard to the acquisition and management of research grants.
- Euraxess is a pan-European initiative delivering information and support services to professional researchers. Created by the European Union and its Member States in 2008, it supports researcher mobility and career development, while enhancing scientific collaboration between Europe and the world, and its representatives come from the 200 centres located in 38 European countries.
- With the Students at Risk (StAR) program, a project of the Swiss Student Union (VSS-UNES-USO), Switzerland also contributes to the international freedom of education and research. It complements the existing „Scholars at Risk" project, which focuses on postdoctoral scholars. The operational phase of the pilot project started in January 2025 and will last until 2027. During this period, the first students are expected to start or complete their studies in Switzerland through the StAR program. A comprehensive overview of the project and the StAR approach is available in the policy paper (in German and French).
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News
- Scholars at Risk landed at USI
- Protecting researchers with new opportunities from Scholars at Risk
- USI welcomes its first Scholar at Risk from Afghanistan
- The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and Scholars at Risk (SAR) Switzerland support scientists from Ukraine
- A solidarity event for the Afghan people at the USI West Campus: a summary
- Taking stock of Scholars at Risk 2022
- From Sudan to USI with the Scholars at Risk programme
- Il mondo in USI, International Week: round table "Academic research and freedom of speech"
- Parwiz Mosamim represented USI at the SAR 2024 Global Congress
- At USI to seek democracy: the story of Parwiz Mosamim