Global Academic Freedom Report Released
The 2026 Free to Think report by Scholars at Risk documents 382 attacks and pressures on academics across 59 countries.
According to the 2026 Free to Think report published by the Scholars at Risk academic freedom monitoring project, 382 attacks on scholars and academic freedom were recorded across 59 different countries.
Details of the Global Report
The 2026 Free to Think report, prepared by the Scholars at Risk project, highlights the risks faced by academics and academic freedom worldwide. The report emphasizes that academic pressures are increasing in democratic countries as well, beyond conflict zones.
Positive Developments in Brazil and Hungary
The report demonstrates that the erosion of academic freedom can be reversed. Positive steps and measurable improvements aimed at restoring university autonomy were recorded in countries such as Brazil and Hungary.
Types of Attacks and Rights Violations
The attacks documented in the report include targeted violence, campus occupations, and violent interventions. Additionally, the report detailed the situations of numerous scholars and researchers who were unjustly imprisoned in various countries.
Military Attacks on Universities
Universities have also faced direct military destruction. While Russian missiles and drones targeted universities in Ukraine, educational institutions in Gaza and several other regions suffered major damage or were destroyed.