Is there a need to reimagine academic freedom?

Hybrid event (online and in-person)

This inaugural event for the Presidential Series on Academic Freedom will discuss the state and practical relevance of research on academic freedom, from public policy to the applied knowledge theories around academic freedom.

It will attempt a characterisation of the current situation of academic freedom, including a synopsis of challenges, and debate who should play a role in addressing this situation, from public authorities to higher education institutions, academics and students. The panel will further investigate whether or not there is a need to reimagine academic freedom, and whether a new, shared, up-to-date and effective conceptual reference for academic freedom is necessary - and possible.

Professor Shitij Kapur, President & Principal, King's College London, will give the welcome and introduction followed by a panel discussion featuring:

• Professor Terence Karran, University of Lincoln
• David Lock, Secretary General, Magna Charta Universitatum (moderator)
• Professor Liviu Matei, Head of the School of Education, Communication & Society at King’s and founder of the Global Observatory on Academic Freedom(background paper)
• Clare Robinson, Director of Advocacy, Scholars at Risk and lead author SAR Free to Think
• Tamires Sampaio, Lawyer and former Vice-President of the Brazilian Students’ Union

After the event, there will be a canapés and drinks reception from 19:00 to 20:00.

This is a hybrid event so will take place-in person, but some contributions will be online. There is also the option for audience members to join online if they wish and a zoom link will be shared with registered attendees ahead of the event.

About the series:

King’s College London has launched a Presidential Series 'Academic Freedom: charting a course'.

Intended as an inclusive platform, it will bring together staff, students, and public leaders, from the UK and around the world, to understand the complex reality of academic freedom on campuses, within the context of wider socio-political, regulatory, and intellectual debates.

The hope is to build towards an understanding of academic freedom that is better adapted to universities today and contemporary society.