During this dialogue event, Athanasios (Nassos) Karakitsos will reflect on his personal experience as a humanitarian volunteer on Lesvos and as one of the defendants in the ERCI case, one of the most prominent examples of the criminalisation of solidarity in Europe.

"Have you ever had a doctor or a friend tell you that to improve your health you should just “stop stressing out”? Or “take it easy”? 

Makes you think that stress is always bad for your body. But is that true? And you probably are wondering, how does stress really affect your brain?

Join this second edition of the wonderful “Mind Matters” event! 

In April and May this year we organised three dialogues on Academic Freedom. One on sensitive topics, one on activism and one on (international) cooperation.

With this panel we want to reflect on the important issues that came out of these dialogues. Can we draw conclusions and find a way how to move forward? Join this panel and share your ideas and concerns.

We warmly invite you to an intimate dialogue evening with Delima (she/her), an Indigenous environmental and human rights defender from Indonesia. With more than 25 years of experience, Delima has worked alongside Indigenous communities and farmers to advance land rights, environmental justice, and community empowerment. Internationally recognized for helping return 7,000 hectares of forest to Indigenous communities, she brings powerful insights into the intersections of climate justice, human rights, and Indigenous resilience. During her stay in Maastricht through the Shelter City programme, Delima hopes to connect with local communities, organizations, and changemakers.

This interactive discussion explores the complex realities of migrant smuggling. Beginning with an introduction to international and European migration law, the session examines the different forms and dynamics of smuggling through real examples and journalistic testimonies. Participants will then engage in a dialogue to reflect on the legal, social, and human dimensions of the topic before sharing insights with the wider audience.

The Unseen offers a powerful portrait of African migrants in Southern Italy, caught between exploitation, bureaucratic uncertainty and social exclusion. The screening is followed by a discussion on migration, labour and European regulation.

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.
 

Come watch, eat, talk, and engage with classic Nana Benz wax print designs after. Let’s watch one of the many intersections of our history, to its feedback in societies today

Join us for an engaging event focused on racism in media and its global impact. Through a curated film screening, we will explore how racism is portrayed, challenged, and sometimes reinforced across different media platforms. Drawing on perspectives from the United Nations, the event highlights international efforts to address racial discrimination and promote equality.

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?
 

On 14 April in Maastricht, MAIN (Maastricht AI & Tech Network) and Omnium are bringing together voices from academia and industry for an engaging panel discussion on one of the most important questions of our time: what will work look like in the age of AI?

The Tension between Social Safety and Intellectual Freedom: Dealing with Sensitive Topics in Research and Education
The university should be a place where ideas can flow freely. But how free is academic discourse today? In this dialogue we look at situations on the floor and in the classroom, and explore tensions between academic freedom and social safety. 
 

What will the future of our food system look like in the face of climate change and population growth — and how can we actively shape it together?

We are delighted to invite you to a municipal debate evening where local political parties will discuss issues that directly impact students in Maastricht. If you’re interested in learning more about politics in Maastricht and how it affects you, be sure to join us!