MI5’s “espionage alert” for UK academia highlights threats of foreign state interference in #highered. From harassment & censorship to visa denials, #Free2Think2026 showed how researchers studying critical topics face systemic pressure: https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/resources/free-to-think-2026/

The frequency and severity of restrictions on #studentexpression in #Free2Think2026, incl. violent responses to student protests in #Iran, #India, and #Serbia underscores the vulnerability of student expression around the world: https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/resources/free-to-think-2026/#section4

Ukraine is featured in #Free2Think2026, published by Scholars at Risk. #Free2Think2026 cites the multitude of Russian strikes on Ukrainian higher education institutions over the past year.

For the full #Free2Think2026, please visit: www.scholarsatrisk.org/resources/fr...

Russian strikes on Ukrainian higher education institutions are not new. #Free2Think2026 recorded damage to universities on at least 17 separate occasions, aligning w/ the “severely restricted” rating in the #AcademicFreedomIndex: https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/resources/free-to-think-2026/#Ukraine

Higher education institutions serve as a training ground for critical thinking. When we protect #academicfreedom, we protect the right to ask hard questions. Read more: https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/resources/free-to-think-2026 #Free2Think2026

Killings, violence, and disappearances made up 41% of attacks in #Free2Think2026. SAR calls upon states to ensure the safety of all members of #highered communities. https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/resources/free-to-think-2026/

Data from the #AcademicFreedomIndex reveals declining #AcademicFreedom worldwide. In 2026, the AFI found that academic freedom dropped significantly in 50/179 countries analyzed, including 13 countries & territories in #Free2Think2026: https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/resources/free-to-think-2026/

University autonomy isn't just under threat in authoritarian regimes—it’s violated in democracies worldwide. SAR Director Robert Quinn talked to Times Higher Education (THE) about #Free2Think2026 and the need to create a “global academic freedom agenda.” Read more:

📢Save the date: SAR’s upcoming #Free2Think2026 report will be released on September 15 to mark the International Day of Democracy! The report covers attacks on #highered around the world and sheds light on how the international community protect #academicfreedom.