We invite you to a half-day symposium examining the current challenges and shifting dynamics affecting academic research and intellectual autonomy within the UK Higher Education sector and beyond.
This event is hosted by Loughborough University Library, the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS), and the Loughborough University Students and Academics At-Risk Group (LUSARG), with refreshments generously provided by our sponsors Vibrant and Inclusive Communities (VIC).
In recent years, academic freedom has come under increasing pressure from political, financial, and ideological forces. As the research environment continues to shift, this symposium offers a space to discuss real challenges, exchange practical strategies, and build supportive networks.
Talk highlights include:
| 09:45-10:00 | Registration |
| 10:00-10:10 | Introduction and House Keeping |
| 10:10-10:40 | Introduction from the library |
| 10:40-11:00 | Copyright and Censorship |
| 11:00-11:30 | Whose Freedom of Speech? Examining Academic Freedom in a Climate of White Supremacist, Misogynist and Authoritarian Backlash Against Critique |
| 11:35-12:05 | Ideological opposition to research and intentionally disruptive practices |
| 12:05-13:00 | Break, Network and refreshments |
| 13:00-13:15 | Research that CAREs |
| 13:20-13:50 | Which Invisible Factors Barring Decolonising University Curriculum Affect our Freedoms in Academia |
| 13:55-14:25 | Counter Cultural Research and Liberty: Navigating against the winds of militaristic and hegemonic orthodoxies |
| 14:55-15:25 | Carnival and the current challenges in Higher Education |
| 15:25-15:40 | Close |
Please note – the venue has a capacity of 25, therefore in-person reservations will be limited and on a first come basis, however, there is an option to join online. The session will not be recorded.
We look forward to seeing you there and shaping the next chapter of research together.
Contact: For further information, please contact K.B.Halliday@lboro.ac.uk
Contact and booking details
- Email address
- K.B.Halliday@lboro.ac.uk
- Cost
- Free