Panel Discussion:
Common Struggles, Unequal Terms

Since Donald Trump has started antagonising US universities by cutting their funding and interfering with their internal organisation, there has been a sense of rejoicing in Germany (and Europe as a whole) at the prospect of an influx of world-leading scientists. Indeed, a survey by Nature found that 75% of US scholars are currently considering leaving the US for Canada or Europe^[1]. Likewise, Hong Kong University has readily welcomed the thousands of students who may not be admitted to Harvard University^[2].

For scholars and students from other countries who have been forced to leave academia due to autocratic regimes, the German and international enthusiasm must seem alienating. Why be enthusiastic if someone is forced to leave their home country? And why are scholars and students from Syria, Turkey, Iran, Ukraine, Russia or Hungary (and many other countries) treated as recipients of German academia’s generosity for being “saved” rather than as an excellent addition to the scholarly community?

To be clear, even if this seems unthinkable: International scholars and students arriving from the US would be at risk, fleeing an authoritarian regime, and would therefore be unable to return easily. They would also be on the brink of having refugee status. Their right to stay would be linked to their work contract, which in German academia is typically short-term and under the direct control of professors. Worse, recent investigations have brought to the fore abusive behaviours based on hierarchies affecting international scholars in particular^[3].

Our panel discussion brings together international at-risk academics working in German academia, representatives for mid-level academic staff and organizations campaigning for better working conditions to critically examine these latest developments and what they mean for existing challenges such as precariousness, abuse of power and the state of academic freedom.