Scholars at Risk network’s global congress on “Universities in a Dangerous World” in Montreal, Canada, June 8-10, 2016.

At the Congress, more than 200 university, government and nonprofit leaders, faculty, staff, students and advocates from 25 countries will come together to discuss seminal issues facing higher education today. Congress participants will discuss how to do more to protect universities and scholars in these challenging times, and to strengthen the capacity of the university sector to contribute to a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.

The 2016 Congress will provide global SAR network members—and prospective new members and partners—a special opportunity to engage with Canadian and other North American SAR members, as well as to enjoy all the cultural, historical and natural features that Montreal offers.

Please find more information on the global congress and other activities of the SAR at:

http://scholarsatrisk.nyu.edu/Education-Advocacy/Conferences.php

The event “Freedom of speech, an academic freedom?” will be organized at the Päivälehti Museum (Ludviginkatu 2-4, Helsinki) from 9 to 11 a.m.

Future of earth and humankind depends on the progress of science and technology. In addition, knowledge of societal challenges and changes are of upmost importance for policy measures. What is at stake if academic discourse is muzzled by limiting the freedom of expression of scientists?

In this session, we explore the different mechanisms by which the freedom of speech of scientists is being limited. Lively discussion with the speakers and the audience is strongly encouraged.

Short presentations and introduction to theme is provided by:
Curtis Brainard, President of the World Federation for Science Journalists
Mari K. Niemi, Senior Researcher, University of Turku, Finland and Visiting Researcher, University of Strathclyde, Scotland (2013-2016)
Kassem Al-Sayed Mahmoud, Syrian Postdoctoral Researcher of food Technology and Engineering, currently at Ghent University, Belgium

More information on the event and registrations at:

http://www.academies.fi/en/tapahtuma/side-event-of-the-world-press-freedom-day-on-may-2nd-2016-freedom-of-speech-an-academic-freedom/