Multiplier Event of the Students at Risk (StAR) Project – 30 June 2026

On 30 June 2026, the European Students’ Union (ESU) hosted a multiplier online event to present the outcomes and impact of the Students at Risk (StAR) project, an Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership dedicated to raising awareness of the challenges faced by at-risk students and academics, and to strengthening student advocacy for academic freedom, student rights, and democratic values.

The event opened with an introduction from Arno Schrooyen, Vice-President of ESU, who shared ESU’s long-standing work on academic freedom and support for at-risk and displaced students — from policy advocacy at European institutions to grassroots solidarity initiatives — setting the context for why the StAR project was created.

Viktoria Malincakova, StAR Project Officer, then presented the project itself: its main objectives, activities, and expected impact, including the development of an advocacy toolkit, a research report on youth and student activism, and a European Students at Risk Conference.

The floor was then given to Nicole Becerra Vivanco from SAIH (the Norwegian Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund), a StAR project partner, who presented SAIH’s work, achievements, and impact in supporting students and academics at risk internationally.

The event closed with a personal and moving contribution from Fae Bernadette Taroc, who shared their own experience and reflections on the impact of this work, followed by an open Q&A session with participants.