About Scholars at Risk

Scholars at Risk (SAR) is an international network of more than 100 universities and colleges working to promote academic freedom and to defend the human rights of scholars worldwide. SAR members participate in a variety of ways, including by hosting scholars who have suffered violence and other threats for short-term academic positions. In return, scholars contribute to their host campuses through teaching, research, lectures and other activities.

SAR also educates the public about attacks on scholars and universities through events and other activities, including the SAR Speaker Series which brings formerly threatened scholars to member campuses to engage directly with students, faculty, alumni and the community. SAR also advocates on behalf of imprisoned scholars and undertakes research aimed at promoting understanding and respect for academic freedom and related values.

Since its founding in 2000 at the University of Chicago, SAR has grown to include more than 100 universities and colleges and intervened on behalf of more than 150 threatened scholars, including by hosting threatened scholars for temporary visits on network campuses. In 2003, the central office moved from Chicago to New York University where it currently is hosted.

Membership is open to accredited higher education institutions in any country committed to the principle that scholars should be free to work without fear or intimidation. Academic associations and other organizations sharing common interest in academic freedom and related values are invited to join as affiliates. (Individuals are invited to join Friends of Scholars at Risk. For more information about individual participation, please download the 'Friends of Scholars at Risk' form.)

In 2002, SAR partnered with the Institute of International Education's Scholar Rescue Fund (SRF), which provides grants to threatened scholars so that they can escape dangerous conditions and continue their academic work in safety at universities in any country. The SRF is an independent organization but partners closely with SAR member universities in arranging opportunities for threatened scholars. The SRF currently provides fellowships to 25-40 scholars each year. Institutions interested in hosting SRF scholars are encouraged also to join the Network, building links with similarly interested institutions and faculty and increasing the combined capacity of the Network and the Fund to assist threatened scholars and promote academic freedom worldwide.

For more information, you may download the 'Scholars at Risk brochure' and the 'Scholar Rescue Fund brochure.'