Balance between Academic Freedom, Social Responsibility, Activism and Protests
When we see or experience injustice, some of us feel powerless, while others are prompted to speak out, take action or protest. Is this a matter of freedom of speech or also part of academic freedom? What is the distinction between academic freedom and the liberty of an academic to speak out on matters of concern? Do you feel, as an academic, you have a moral obligation to speak out against social injustices? Is neutrality in science an ideal or an illusion? How should universities balance academic freedom, civic engagement, and institutional responsibilities? How can a university ensure safety without suppressing free expression? Should a university remain neutral in political conflicts?
 

Autonomy of the University under Geopolitical Pressure: Freedom in International Cooperation
There is a strong call from some members of the academic community to stop the collaboration with certain (international) partners. Maastricht University is committed to ensuring that the research, teaching and collaborations are conducted safely and responsibly, in line with our institutional values. To determine whether a proposed partnership or project is sufficiently secure and meets UM standards and expectations, we have established assessment frameworks for three domains: knowledge security, human rights and a fossil-free society. While some members of the university community advocate for additional measures, others have raised questions about how such approaches may interact with principles of academic freedom.