Otago commits to doing its part in supporting academics and students whose access to education and academic engagement has been disrupted by conflict.
The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka has taken concrete steps towards supporting academics displaced by conflict, by deciding to join the international Scholars at Risk network.
Scholars at Risk (SAR) is an international network of higher education institutions and individuals dedicated to protecting threatened scholars, preventing attacks on higher education, and promoting academic freedom and related values worldwide.
Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson says the network’s values aligns with Otago’s - protecting scholars and promoting academic freedom.
Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson
“SAR provides support, among other things, for universities to provide a home for academics who are displaced or whose work is disrupted by conflict.
“We join more than 300 host institutions across the world committed to protecting and promoting academic freedom.”
Alongside partnering with SAR, the University is also in the process of establishing scholarships for students displaced by conflict.
“We are working towards the initial provision of scholarships for two undergraduate students and two doctoral candidates from conflict zones.”
“The University will be looking to provide financial support for the scholarships, as well as potentially opening up to staff, students, alumni and our community to contribute.
“In the world we live in today, we are all aware of significant conflicts and displacement of people. This is a practical step the University can take to support those most impacted, to continue their academic study and research.
“Ōtepoti and the Otago community have a long, storied history in welcoming individuals and families forcibly displaced from their homes. We are proud to do our part in supporting that.”
College of Education Dean Professor Vivienne Anderson, who has conducted substantial research on the experience of students with refugee backgrounds, says it is important to back initiatives that support access to education when disrupted by conflict.
Professors Vivienne Anderson (left) and Alison Phipps.
“It is strategic and timely to actively support displaced scholars at a time when forced displacement is at the highest level since World War 2.”
Educated citizens play a critical role in the work of peacebuilding and the re-establishment of a stable civil society after conflict, she says.
“Supporting displaced scholars’ ongoing access to education and academic engagement is both an ethical response to urgent human need and an investment in more peaceful global futures.”
University of Glasgow Languages and Intercultural Studies Professor, and UNESCO Chair in Refugee Integration through Education, Languages and Arts, Alison Phipps says the news that Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka is joining SAR is immensely welcome.
Alison is an internationally renowned scholar known for her work in refugee integration and was the De Carle Distinguished Visiting Professor at Otago in 2019-20.
“I have worked for over 12 years with international organisations that place scholars and artists at risk into willing universities who have joined a coalition of care,” Alison says.
“I have witnessed the difference it makes to those who find protection for themselves, their families, and their scholarship.
“My respect, gratitude and solidarity to the University in taking this step and making such profound change possible, and to the city of Ōtepoti Dunedin, who also took such a step with the resettlement of refugees. Your gesture strengthens the work we are all doing to build sustainable peace.”