Research

SAR is developing a number of research projects aimed at promoting understanding of and respect for academic freedom and related values. These project include information gathering, measuring the scope of threats, opinion polling, standards development, monitoring and reporting. Themes from various research activities are discussed at SAR conferences and through volunteer committees and working groups.

Academic Freedom News: With help from faculty, students and volunteers, Scholars at Risk monitors reports of threats to academic freedom and higher education communities worldwide. Summaries of some of these reports are available using the link at the left.

Polling & surveys: SAR is developing poll and survey vehicles for gathering information on threats to academic freedom. Some of these vehicles are available using the link at the left.

Site-visits: As part of its information gathering and monitoring activities, SAR is exploring arranging delegations of SAR member institution representatives to visit universities and colleges where threats or other incidents have been reported.

Measurements & indicators: SAR is developing a set of indicators and other vehicles to measure current levels of respect for academic freedom.

Standards-building: SAR is developing several initiatives to support strengthening of international standards relating to the respect for and protection of academic freedom, institutional autonomy and related values.