Academic Solidarity e.V.

Universities around the world are becoming institutions where political and social tensions are increasingly felt, beyond being centers for producing science and educating young minds. Recent developments in the context of the Palestine-Israel conflict show how fragile freedom of expression can be even at universities. Examples from the US, Germany, France and Türkiye show that the academic world is going through a great test.

While Columbia University and New York University in the US are disciplining students and graduates who have made statements in support of Palestine, the freezing of federal funds has come to the agenda under pressure from the Trump administration. While Logan Rozos, who gave a peaceful message about Palestine in his graduation speech, had his diploma revoked, the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, an immigrant academic, for weeks has caused public outrage. These incidents reveal not only the tensions on campus, but also the blurring of the boundaries between freedom of expression and state power. https://apnews.com/article/nyu-commencement-speech-israel-palestinian-b358e0bb6961b43e426c97d3c4cdd03f https://www.ft.com/content/ffbd55e4-c94e-442c-b1f1-3b53c14e3ac1

In Germany, the Free University (FU Berlin) canceled the speech of United Nations special rapporteur for Palestine Francesca Albanese due to political pressure. It was reported that the Berlin state senate and political actors outside the university were influential behind the decision. Such developments, where academic autonomy is undermined under the name of “public pressure,” indicate how politicized freedom of expression has become in Germany. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250213-german-university-cancels-event-featuring-un-special-rapporteur-on-palestine/

A similar picture is evident in France. Protests organized by students at the prestigious Sciences Po University were suppressed with harsh police intervention. A conference on Palestine at the University of Lille was canceled on the grounds of “public order.” France’s traditional values ​​of “secularism” and freedom can be vulnerable to political sensitivities in a university environment. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/french-university-stirs-controversy-by-canceling-palestine-conference/3194629

The picture is much more serious in Turkey. Students and academics who speak out against the government’s domestic policies, rather than on the Palestinian issue, are facing systematic oppression. Peaceful events organized at universities are suppressed with disciplinary investigations and police interventions. While rectors often act as an extension of the political power, dissident academics are dismissed and students are intimidated. In this environment where the law does not function sufficiently, academic freedom is almost completely turning into a formal concept. https://tr.euronews.com/2025/04/07/yokten-universitelere-boykot-yazisi-idari-islem-yapin https://www.tr724.com/rejimin-yargi-silahi-gaziantep-operasyonu/

These developments clearly reveal the crisis that academia is in on a global scale. As institutions that produce not only knowledge but also value, universities should play a decisive role in protecting freedom of expression and intellectual pluralism. However, current conditions show that academic freedom requires not only legal regulations, but also courage, solidarity and a determination based on principles. These developments once again show that the phrase “Character is determined by decisions taken under pressure” is valid for both individuals and institutions. The international community must not see these examples as merely local issues, but must strengthen solidarity networks and place universities back at the centre of free thought and debate. Silence is not an option; the future of academia depends on the attitudes taken today.

Fulbright, one of the most established international academic exchange programs in the US, is facing perhaps the biggest crisis in its history. Fulbright’s 12-person independent advisory board resigned last week in response to the Trump administration’s attempts to increase its political influence over the program. This resignation is not only a protest, but also a serious alarm in terms of academic freedom and international cooperation. (https://www.derstandard.at/story/3000000273653/fulbright-vorstand-tritt-aus-protest-gegen-us-regierung-zur252ck https://www.twincities.com/2025/06/11/trump-fulbright/)

The board members announced that the Trump administration canceled the scholarship applications of around 200 American academics and put the applications of around 1,200 foreign researchers into a “preliminary review” process with uncertain legal basis. The academics in question were researching areas such as climate change, gender, immigration and race. This raised concerns that the administration was directly interfering with academic content.

The board found these interventions to be contrary to the fundamental spirit of the Fulbright program – the principles of international understanding and free inquiry. The resignation letters particularly emphasized: “Fulbright should serve academic integrity, not political propaganda.”

The Fulbright program has supported more than 400,000 researchers to date, including Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners. However, it has recently been under pressure not only through content control but also through budget cuts. Bills aiming to reduce the program’s annual budget from $691 million to $50 million have sparked major debates in Congress.

These developments in the US are concerning not only at the national level but also in terms of global academic collaborations. The freezing of billions of dollars in funds at universities such as Harvard, Cornell and Northwestern shows that the tension between academia and politics has reached a new threshold. In a sense, this means that higher education in the US is being “forced to localize.”

In the face of all these developments, we are reminded once again of the fact that “character is revealed under pressure.” In order for academia to defend itself, it needs not only ethical principles, but also transparent and collective resistance.

The international academic community should not remain silent in the face of such crises. Otherwise, not only scholarships but also the global circulation of free thought will be under serious threat.

FutureHouse, based in San Francisco, is a non-profit research laboratory established to build “AI Scientists” to provide solutions to humanity’s biggest problems. In their 2023 published goals, they aim to accelerate next-generation discoveries by automating the “scientific method,” primarily in biology (https://www.futurehouse.org/)

Today, the volume of scientific production has far exceeded human capacity. There are over 38 million scientific articles in the PubMed database alone as of 2024. Thousands more are added every day. It is becoming increasingly difficult for human researchers to generate meaningful hypotheses, evaluate research, and achieve groundbreaking discoveries in this vast pool of information. This is where FutureHouse comes into play:

FutureHouse adopts a 4-layered approach to robotize scientific discovery:

1. AI Tools (AlphaFold-like models, laboratory experiments).
2. AI Scientific Assistants (text-based literature research, hypothesis generation).
3. AI Scientists (experiment design, hypothesis generation, data analysis, and conclusion writing).
4. Human — the stage where scientific “inquiry” processes can be carried out without the need for humans in the future.

This structure makes the scientific process both in-depth and scalable, allowing researchers to make faster discoveries.

A newly published Nature article shared that the model called ether0 developed by FutureHouse has even exceeded human levels in chemistry problems (https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-01753-1). Ether0 answers questions step by step with a logical chain by adopting an approach called “reasoning model”. This technology, unlike traditional LLMs, claims to provide scientific credibility by explaining the “decision process”.

FutureHouse is a completely non-profit “moonshot” laboratory supported by donors such as Eric Schmidt. Its aim is not to change the course of big pharmaceutical companies; It is stated as creating a transparent and disciplined scientific production process dedicated to serving humanity (https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-01753-1).

According to TechCrunch, FutureHouse’s new AI agent named Finch can “work like a grad student” and analyze biological data directly (https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/06/futurehouse-previews-an-ai-tool-for-data-driven-biology-discovery/). Such tools have the potential to expand both the speed and capacity of the laboratory infinitely.

Originally designed as “human intelligence augmentation,” these systems aim to eventually produce “AI Scientists” who can replace humans.

With this project by FutureHouse, a “scientific automation machine” that will scale discoveries from 0 to 1 in the scientific world may emerge. This approach is also inspiring for the academic solidarity platform that advocates that science should serve democracy and humanity. No matter how much technology develops, the mission of being “science for humanity” can be achieved when supported by structures that include human values, ethics and the spirit of autonomous science.

Harvard University’s 2025 commencement ceremony was not only an academic celebration, but also an opportunity to reflect on immigration, academic freedom, and political oppression. Stanford University professor and author Dr. Abraham Verghese’s speech (https://youtu.be/4mjPt7cZW1k?si=K2SCPaQf2mXy1dlQ) shed light on these issues and inspired the graduates.

Verghese, who was born in Ethiopia and studied medicine in India, shared his own immigration experiences in his speech. Verghese, who came to the US to pursue a career in medicine, emphasized the opportunities America offers to immigrants and the contribution of this diversity to the country’s strength. He also criticized the Trump administration’s policies towards international students and praised Harvard’s stance against these oppressions.

Verghese called on the graduates to appreciate the value of life and make the most of their time. Another important statement in the speech was the sentence, “Character is determined by decisions made under pressure.”

In one of the most striking moments of his speech, Dr. Abraham Verghese made reference to the slogan “Make America Great Again,” frequently used by former US President Donald Trump. However, Verghese emphasized that in order for this statement to truly come to life, the contributions of immigrants must be recognized. Drawing on his own immigration story, he reminded us that America has developed through international contributions in many areas, from science to the arts, technology to health. “What makes this country great is its values ​​that keep it open to the world,” he said.

This emphasis was both a reference to political rhetoric and a strong message against rising xenophobia.

In his speech at the commencement ceremony, Harvard President Alan Garber reiterated the university’s commitment to its global student community. He stated that international students are an integral part of Harvard, with the phrase “from all over the world – as they should be.” This statement was interpreted as a stance against the Trump administration’s restrictions on international student visas.

Harvard University has once again demonstrated its commitment to academic freedom and diversity by standing up to the pressures on international students. Verghese’s speech provided an opportunity for not only graduates but also society as a whole to reflect on unity, solidarity and human values.

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies deeply affects not only industrial production but also academic research and social structures. While AI’s capacity to conduct doctoral research threatens many professions, it also questions the future of academic careers.

The ability of AI systems to solve complex scientific problems and develop new hypotheses is revolutionizing the world of research. This requires academics to redefine their roles and work in collaboration with AI.

The integration of AI into production processes can reduce the need for labor, especially in factories. This brings with it the risk of widespread unemployment. It is important for societies to be prepared for this transformation and strengthen their social safety nets.

International standards are being developed to manage the risks brought by AI and ensure its ethical use:

• ISO/IEC 23894:2023: Provides guidance for identifying, analyzing and monitoring risks throughout the life cycle of AI systems.
• ISO/IEC 42001:2023: Specifies requirements for the establishment, implementation and continuous improvement of AI management systems.

These standards aim to support organizations in using AI technologies responsibly and securely.

In Germany, 92% of businesses use AI technologies directly or indirectly. This widespread use necessitates effective and ethical management of AI.

The following steps are recommended to manage the social and economic impacts of AI:

1. Education and Awareness: Raising public awareness of AI and disseminating educational programs.

2. Social Security: Strengthening social safety nets against workforce transformation and evaluating basic income practices.

3. Ethics and Legal Regulations: Establishing and implementing national and international legal frameworks for the ethical use of AI.

While evaluating the opportunities offered by AI, it is critical to consider the risks it brings and to direct this technology for the benefit of humanity.

Student movements have been the vanguard of social change throughout history, voicing demands for freedom and justice against oppressive regimes. Today, students around the world take to the streets to make their voices heard and defend their rights.

Student Movements Have Been Effective Throughout History

Student protests have played an important role in many areas, from civil rights movements to anti-war demonstrations. For example, the protests held at Columbia University against the Vietnam War in 1968 forced university administrations to change their policies and created widespread social awareness. Similarly, the Tiananmen Square protests in China in 1989 became a symbol of demands for democratic reform.

Current Student Movements and Repressions in Türkiye

Students in Türkiye are also fighting for democratic rights and freedoms. However, these movements have recently faced increasing pressure. In the most recent operations conducted in 47 provinces centered in Gaziantep, 77 people, including university students, were arrested. These operations raise serious concerns regarding freedom of expression and the right to organize.

The Rümeysa Öztürk Incident in the US

Rümeysa Öztürk, a doctoral student at Tufts University in the US, was detained on the grounds that she supported Palestine and held in an immigration center for six weeks. However, she was released by court order. This incident drew international attention to the issues of freedom of expression and academic freedom.

The Rule of Law and the Future of Student Movements

The rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights are essential for student movements to be successful. In democratic societies, students’ rights to peacefully protest must be guaranteed and their freedom of expression must be supported. Otherwise, these movements can be suppressed and social progress can be hindered.

Student movements are the engine of change and progress. However, for these movements to be effective, it is essential that democratic values ​​and the rule of law are protected.

In Turkey and many other parts of the world, the doctoral process for young academic candidates can be interrupted due to reasons such as financial difficulties, bureaucratic obstacles and loss of motivation. Some academics, especially those who migrate, are forced to leave their doctoral studies unfinished. However, a doctorate is not only the foundation of an academic career, but also of independent thinking, disciplined work and knowledge production.

Doctoral education is of great importance not only for those who want to stay at universities, but also for preparation for research and leadership positions in think tanks, NGOs, international organizations and the private sector. Doing a doctorate provides ethical responsibility, methodological competence and critical analysis skills in knowledge production.

Moreover, at a time when academic production is under such pressure, doctoral studies are becoming a tool of knowledge-based opposition, intellectual autonomy and scientific resistance.

Scholarship Opportunities for Doctoral Studies in Germany

DAAD Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers doctoral scholarships to candidates from all disciplines.

Humboldt Foundation – Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship: Ideal for those who want to do research at postdoc level but want to continue their doctorate.

Gerda Henkel Foundation: Focuses on humanities, history and cultural heritage.

Rosa Luxemburg Foundation: For those interested in issues such as social justice, equality and the environment.

Examples of University-Sponsored Scholarships

• Uni Trier – PhD Completion Scholarship

• Uni Marburg – Philosophy of Law and Criminal Law Scholarship

• HHU Düsseldorf – Scholarship List

German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF): The BMBF provides scholarships through various institutions to support doctoral research.

Those who drop out of their doctorate can take part in more flexible, part-time or modular programs. After all, a doctorate is not just an academic title, but a way of knowledge-based solidarity, intellectual freedom and shaping the future. There are always opportunities for those who embrace the principle of “from cradle to grave”.

In April 2025, tensions between Harvard University and the Trump administration triggered a global debate over academic freedom and university autonomy. The Trump administration demanded that Harvard conduct screenings of students and staff for “diversity of views” and shut down certain student groups. The university rejected these demands, and the administration threatened to freeze Harvard’s $2.3 billion in federal research funding, revoke its tax exemption, and suspend its ability to accept international students.

Harvard’s Resistance and Legal Challenge

Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming that these interventions violated its constitutional rights. University President Alan Garber made the institution’s stance clear, saying, “The university will not surrender its independence or surrender its constitutional rights.”

The Relationship Between Politics and Universities: A Global Issue

This incident has also brought about a global debate on how universities should stand against political pressures. Academic freedom is not just an institution, but one of the cornerstones of democratic societies. The autonomy of universities is a guarantee of critical thinking and scientific progress.

Harvard’s resistance also sets an example for other universities. Academic institutions around the world are re-evaluating how they should stand against similar political pressures through this incident.

These developments once again show that universities are not only educational and research institutions, but also defenders of democratic values. Harvard’s stance sets an important example for the protection of academic freedom and university autonomy.

In recent years, many international actors have launched massive food projects in Africa with the claim of increasing agricultural production. However, these projects, which set out with the claim of “feeding Africa”, do not mean food security for local peoples and farmers on the continent, but rather seed dependency.

The Global Adventure of Seeds: Who is Feeding Whom?

According to the documentary “The Great Seed Theft” broadcast by Al Jazeera English, heirloom seeds that local farmers in Africa have planted for thousands of years and passed down from generation to generation are rapidly disappearing under the pressure of multinational corporations. These seeds are often replaced with patented hybrid seeds, and this new system creates a dependency that forces farmers to buy new seeds every season.

Seed Banks or Seed Prisons?

“Seed banks” funded by Norway, the US and other global actors, while ostensibly established to protect biodiversity, also come with legal frameworks that prevent farmers from sharing and replanting seeds. Some states within the African Union have begun implementing these legal regulations under the guise of “agricultural development.” However, this system eliminates farmers’ ownership of seeds and encourages the commercialization of seeds rather than their production.

Heirloom Seeds: The Key to the Future, Not Just the Past

Heirloom seeds are not just a nostalgic value; they are a strategic resource for climate change resilience, biodiversity and food sovereignty. In the documentary, many farmers and local organizations from Tanzania to Kenya emphasize that indigenous seeds are vital not only for agriculture but also for cultural identity. In this context, heirloom seed advocates are developing alternative models based on local knowledge, local seeds and farmers’ own decision-making mechanisms against international food programs.

Lessons for the World

In Turkey and around the world, traditional seeds are rapidly being replaced by hybrid, imported and patented seeds. Local seed networks, support for small producers and encouragement of seed sharing are among the important strategies developed against this trend.

Similar dynamics are also experienced worldwide, especially in South Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. The commercialization of seeds is becoming not only an economic tool but also a form of biopolitical control. International civil society networks are trying to establish a transnational solidarity network to defend farmers’ rights over seeds.

For example, the world’s largest peasant movement, La Via Campesina, representing over 200 million farmers in more than 80 countries around the world, is effective both at the policy level (FAO, UN etc.) and in collaboration with local movements within the framework of the concept of “Food sovereignty”.