These meetings brought together representatives from various SAR national sections, partner networks, international organizations, political figures, and academics who have utilized existing support programs, including PAUSE (Programme national d’accueil en urgence des scientifiques et des artistes en exil) and the Philipp Schwartz Initiative (Alexander von Humboldt Foundation). Viviana participated in the meetings in her capacity as an Executive Committee member and representative for the Coalition for Academic Freedom in the Americas (CAFA). CAFA is a joint project founded by HRREC, Universidad de Monterrey, and SAR.
The meetings took place amid growing concerns over attacks on academic freedom and university autonomy worldwide, especially in the United States. Before the first session, participants discussed the May 5th announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding the European Union's efforts to encourage disgruntled U.S. researchers to relocate to Europe in response to the American administration's policies on science (France and the EU are taking aim at Trump's assault on science and seeking to lure US researchers).
In response to the announcement, the Forum issued a statement entitled "Call to Europe to Champion Academic Freedom and Protect Academics at Risk," which was endorsed by the organizations present at the Paris meetings. The statement aims to advocate for the inclusion of academic freedom and endangered researchers in the measures taken in the Choose Europe for Science initiative. It also aims to communicate the availability and expertise of our various initiatives to support the design and implementation of these measures, as well as to emphasize the need for a renewed focus on academic freedom and researchers at risk in Europe. (Add link to the statement when ready.)
Although the Inspireurope+ project is coming to an end, valuable Inspireurope+ reports and recommendations have been produced over time.