Graz Declaration strengthens academic freedom at universities

Klaus Poier, professor at the University of Graz; Peter Riedler, rector of the University of Graz and chair of the Styrian University Conference; Victoria Weber, rector of the University for Continuing Education Krems; Brigitte Hütter, president of uniko and rector of the University of Art and Design Linz; Elmar Pichl, section head at the Federal Ministry for Women, Science, and Research; Attila Pausitsch, department head at the University for Continuing Education Krems

At the 2025 University Talks, held in Graz for the first time, experts discussed current threats to academic freedom. With the adoption of the Graz Declaration, colleges and universities are sending a strong signal for protection, responsibility, and shaping the future in science.

Following last year's University Dialogue Krems, this year's university discussions took place in Graz for the first time. Under the title “Academic Freedom: Current Threats - Necessary Barriers - Innovative Governance,” around 75 participants from university management, ministries, the Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH), European institutions, science, politics, and civil society discussed one of the most central questions for the future of higher education in the historic setting of the Minoritenzentrum.

The exchange took place in a highly topical context, as freedom of research and teaching is coming under increasing pressure worldwide due to political influence, economic constraints, growing pressure to conform, funding gaps, and dependence on third-party funding. These threats are already being felt in Europe as well. The aim of the university talks was therefore to clearly identify these challenges and to highlight ways in which academic freedom can be protected and secured. Alice Senarclens de Grancy, senior editor of the knowledge section at the daily newspaper Die Presse, ensured a lively and pointed discussion.

Graz Declaration

As a result of the intensive debates, the Graz Declaration on Academic Freedom was adopted by the organizers.

Raise awareness of academic freedom as a cornerstone of democracy. It is a cultural achievement that must be lived, respected, and promoted not only individually, but also institutionally and socially.
Take on more responsibility nationally and globally for safeguarding academic freedom and autonomy. Structural threats such as precarious employment, dependence on third-party funding, or political influence require sustainable financing, innovative governance, and leadership that is oriented toward academic freedom.
Ensure free scientific and artistic research to enable the shaping of the future. Only with secure spaces for discourse, sufficient basic funding, and targeted promotion of young talent can universities remain laboratories of the future.

With the adoption of the Graz Declaration by the organizers, the 2025 University Talks sent a strong signal. Academic freedom cannot be taken for granted, they said; it must be made conscious, defended, and actively secured.

The Higher Education Talks were organized by Klaus Poier, head of the Center for Higher Education Law at the University of Graz, and Attila Pausits, head of the Department of Higher Education Research at the University for Continuing Education Krems. Both emphasized that the series of events will alternate between Lower Austria and Styria in the future and will serve as a forum for exchange, orientation, and networking on the future of universities.

The university talks thrive on open exchange between science, politics, society, and culture. Especially in times when academic freedom is under pressure, this dialogue is indispensable. Thanks go to the organizers, all contributors, and the numerous supporters who have helped make Graz a place of lively debate and clear signals for the future of universities.

Download: The Graz Declaration

Gerlinde Tuscher

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