Standing with Ilia State University in Support of Academic Freedom
The European Science Engagement Association is both saddened and concerned to read about the proposed changes to Ilia State University (ISU) as part of a wider agenda affecting higher education institutions in Georgia. ISU is one of EUSEA’s long-term members and, as many EUSEA members will fondly recollect, the vibrant and welcoming destination for our annual conference in 2024, welcoming over 100 EUSEA members and friends to Tbilisi from across Europe and beyond.
As was evident from the conference and other collaborations with ISU, including the NUCLEUS Responsible Research and Innovation project, ISU is a beacon for academic freedom and broad disciplinary approaches that underpin excellence in teaching and research. There is a concerning shift toward interwoven partisan agendas in many places, which can only undermine the fundamental principles of open inquiry, knowledge creation, and evidence-based outcomes. The EUSEA community epitomises the values of inclusivity, reflective practice and collaboration, and we stand in support with the staff and students of ISU through these uncertain times.
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