At a time when academic freedom, scientific inquiry, and the rights of students and scholars face increasing pressure worldwide—even within Europe—universities must remain strongholds of critical thinking, solidarity, and responsibility. The International Summer School “Advocacy for Academic Freedom & Human Rights: Internationalization in a Fragmented World” offers participants the opportunity to explore the challenges facing academic freedom today and to develop practical advocacy skills to support scholars and institutions at risk.

Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions with international experts and practitioners, participants will examine the relationship between academic freedom, democracy, and human rights, while gaining hands-on experience in designing advocacy strategies.

What you will learn

Participants will:

• explore global perspectives on academic freedom and its current challenge
• examine the relationship between academic freedom, democracy, and societ
• gain insights into EU and international policies related to academic freedom and scholars at ris
• learn practical tools and strategies to support threatened scholars and institution
• develop their own advocacy campaign in support of a scholar at risk and academic freedo
• engage with experts and organizations working in this field, including the Scholars at Risk Network

Who should apply

The summer school is open to:

• Master’s and PhD students from all discipline
• Higher education professionals, including policy advisors and university staff working in internationalization or higher education policy

Programme Dates and Location

Online sessions: 13–14 August 2026 On-site programme: 17–21 August 2026 Location: Utrecht University, the Netherlands

Application

Application deadline: 15 June 2026. Further information and registration:  https://utrechtsummerschool.nl/courses/law/advocacy-for-academic-freedom-and-human-rights-internationalization-in-a-fragmented

Costs 

• Course fee: €400.00 (incl. course materials)
• Housing fee: €275.0
• Housing provider: Utrecht Summer School

Students from Utrecht Network member universities may be eligible for a €250 mobility grant.

Contacts

For enquiries, please contact both coordinators: Iris Vernekohl Ruhr University Bochum & Chair of UN TF RIGE iris.vernekohl@rub.de Bart van de Laar Utrecht University b.j.vandelaar@uu.nl