University leaders and academics consider role of universities in a time of democratic backsliding

Academic freedom is the freedom of academics to do academic work, to produce and disseminate knowledge and teach. It involves protecting the intellectual independence of academics to question and test received views and wisdom, including to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, without placing themselves in danger of losing their jobs or privileges. Different from freedom of speech, it is under pressure today from authoritarian populist regimes, but also from democratic governments that may move funds away and be shutting down specific areas of academic activity. The stakes are high, if we recognise that academic freedom and democratic freedom depend on one another, and that universities are important countermajoritarian institutions that help to keep people free.  

A roundtable at UCL last week brought together university leaders, thought leaders, and academics from across the world, Europe and UCL to reflect on the role of universities in an age of democratic backsliding. Chaired by European Institute Director Uta Staiger, and hosted UCL President and Provost, Michael Spence, this closed roundtable was held under the Chatham House Rule. Participants considered not only what academic freedom does and doesn’t mean, but also concrete strategies for defending it and proactively preparing for challenges at home and reaching across borders. 

The roundtable was followed by the 2025 UCL Europe Lecture, delivered by Michael Ignatieff in conversation with Erin Delaney, a recording of which will be made available shortly. Ignatieff served as President and Rector of the Central European University between 2016 and 2021, the turbulent years which saw the university’s expulsion from Budapest and its re-establishment in Vienna. He is now a professor in CEU's department of historical studies. His lecture and the discussion with UCL’s Erin Delaney, Leverhulme Professor of Comparative Constitutional Law and Inaugural Director at the Global Centre for Democratic Constitutionalism, elucidated the meaning of academic freedom as distinct from freedom of speech, what its limits are, and what political authority has the right to demand of a university and its academics. 

Roundtable and lecture are part of an ongoing wider programme on democracy, higher education and the defence of academic freedom at UCL.