In June 2026 the University of Parma joined Scholars at Risk (SAR), an international network comprising over 500 academic institutions and organizations committed to protecting scholars at risk and promoting academic freedom globally, in over 40 countries worldwide.
Through its membership in SAR, the University intends to contribute to the efforts of these institutions and organizations to protect researchers whose personal safety is at risk and whose academic freedom is threatened in the course of their work.
The University of Parma strongly supports the fundamental values of free research and freedom of expression, and is committed—including through its membership in SAR—to strengthening international academic solidarity. Its participation in the network reaffirms its commitment to human rights, inclusion, and the protection of knowledge as a public good, in line with the University’s strategic guidelines.
SAR carries out three types of activities:
- Protection: It works in collaboration with partner universities to create temporary scholarships (3–24 months) for scholars seeking protection from SAR. Funding for the scholarships is provided entirely by the host university; SAR promotes contacts with international foundations and funding agencies
- Advocacy: sraises awareness among civil society and political circles regarding cases of attacks on academic freedom in various national contexts.
- Research and Training: organizes seminars, conferences, talk series, and participation in Erasmus+ projects on topics related to human rights, academic freedom, academic refugees, and policies for welcoming researchers and students.
In February 2019, the Italian chapter of Scholars at Risk was established. SAR Italia is a partnership between Italian universities and research institutes; a list of all members of the SAR Italia network is available.
SAR contacts for the University of Parma:
