Researchers at risk support
EUniWell is strongly committed to supporting researchers and academics whose research activities or access to academic work are affected by conflict, persecution, displacement, or other exceptional circumstances. Across the Alliance, member universities offer researchers at risk a range of support, including financial support and funding programmes, research opportunities, institutional and legal guidance, language courses, accommodation, and counselling.
Many member universities are affiliated with international or national networks, such as the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA) or Scholars at Risk network (SAR) and its national sections. In addition, several member universities participate in European and national funding programmes that provide support for researchers at risk.The type and scope of support and application procedures vary between institutions.
Find out more about support available at EUniWell’s twelve member universities:
- University of Birmingham: Provides support for persecuted and at-risk academics through its membership of the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA), a national network supporting academics at risk. Practical support is available through the Institute for Research into International Migration and Superdiversity (IRIS), including research programmes on refugee sponsorship.
University of Birmingham – Sanctuary Scholarship and support - University of Cologne: Provides researchers at risk and those who have fled their country with opportunities to continue their academic work in research groups and at academic chairs through its membership of the global ‘Scholars at Risk’ network (SAR) and its role as a founding member of the German section.
University of Cologne – At-Risk Scholar Support - University of Florence: Supports researchers and scholars at risk through the Scholars at Risk - Italy Section (SAR Italy), including webinars on arrival and career perspectives as well as scholarships.
University of Florence as part of SAR Italy - Inalco: Offers exemptions for refugees and beneficiaries of temporary protection.
Inalco – Scholarships and social assistance - University of Konstanz: Provides support through several programmes for Scholars at Risk, including the Philipp Schwartz Initiative, visiting fellowships, and scholarships through the Hilde Domin Programme for doctoral candidates, as well as specific offers for researchers who have fled or are in danger in Ukraine.
University of Konstanz – contact via the International Office for each programme - Linnaeus University: Provides information and support related to academic freedom and Scholars at Risk through its participation in the Scholars at Risk (SAR) network, SAR-Sweden, and SAR Europe.
Linnaeus University – Scholars at Risk - University of Murcia: Through the International Welcome Point, the university provides guidance and support professors, researchers, and managers before and after their stay.
University of Murcia – International Welcome Point - Nantes Université: Provides support to researchers and their families when arriving in Nantes through the non-profit organisation ‘Chercheurs Étrangers à Nantes’, initiated by the City Council of Nantes and Nantes Université. The international office also supports researchers through partnerships and scholarships.
Nantes Université - Chercheurs Étrangers à Nantes + Nantes Université International Office - Universidade de Santiago de Compostela: Offers a grant programme for doctoral students from conflict zones.
Universidade de Santiago de Compostela – International grant programme - Semmelweis University: Provides mobility staff support to researchers and staff working in patient care who had to flee Ukraine.
Semmelweis University – Support for Ukraine - Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv: As a university directly affected by the war in Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv is currently primarily represented in EUniWell’s support activities as a partner institution and beneficiary of international solidarity and cooperation.
- Medical University of Warsaw: Provides selected support for people affected by the war in Ukraine, including social, financial, legal, psychological, and academic support, as well as support for the employment of researchers.
Medical University of Warsaw – Support for Ukraine
For further information on support available for students, see Students at risk support.
