International Summer School "Advocacy for Academic Freedom & Human Rights“

Tuesday, 9 June 2026

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

International Summer School "Advocacy for Academic Freedom & Human Rights“

Join us to strengthen your adocacy skills and to advance academic freedom and human rights together!

At a time when academic freedom, scientific inquiry, and the rights of students and scholars face increasing pressure worldwide—even within Europe—universities must remain strongholds of critical thinking, solidarity, and responsibility.

But how can we actively protect these core academic values?
How can we support scholars and students facing threats, persecution, or restrictions?

The International Summer School “Advocacy for Academic Freedom & Human Rights: Internationalization in a Fragmented World” offers a unique opportunity to explore these urgent questions, connect with global experts, and develop the skills needed to advocate for academic freedom, human rights and democratic values.

Why join?

Participants will:

  • Engage in critical discussions on academic freedom from a global perspective.
  • Explore the relationship between academic freedom, democracy, and society.
  • Learn practical strategies and tools to support at-risk scholars and institutions
  • Develop your own advocacy campaign in support of a threatened scholar and academic freedom
  • Gain insights into EU and global policies shaping this field
  • Develop advocacy skills to promote academic freedom and human rights
  • Connect with leading experts and organizations such as the Scholars at Risk Network.

Who Should Apply?

  • Master’s & PhD students (from across the disciplines)
  • Higher education professionals, including higher education/institutional policy advisors

When?
17-21 August 2026 (in Utrecht) & 13-14 August 2026 (online)

Where?
Utrecht University

Application deadline:
15 June 2026

Further information and registration:

https://utrechtsummerschool.nl/courses/law/advocacy-for-academic-freedom-and-human-rights

Costs:

  • Course fee: €400.00 (incl. course materials)
  • Housing fee: €275.00
  • Housing provider: Utrecht Summer School

Please note: The Utrecht Network supports students from its member institutes(including Boğaziçi University) with a generous € 250 grant per participant!

Contacts (in case of enquiries, please contact both coordinators):