StAR – The Students at Risk
The Students at Risk (StAR) project is a global initiative that supports students and scholars facing political persecution, conflict, or threats to their academic freedom. It promotes the EU fundamental right to academic freedom through advocacy, research, capacity building, summer schools, and network development. By collaborating with universities, organisations, and student groups, the project raises awareness, strengthens national initiatives, and provides safe academic opportunities for displaced or at-risk individuals, helping ensure their protection, inclusion, and continued access to higher education. The StAR project is coordinated by ESU with the support of GSF, SAIH, UniPD and UNITN as partners.
StAR Seminar in Brussels – 11/13 May 2026
3 Days of Learning, Connection, and Advocacy at the StAR Seminar
From May 11–13, we gathered in Brussels for the StAR seminar, bringing together 14 participants for three days of deep learning, intense discussion, and meaningful collaboration.
The energy in the room was incredible as participants worked closely with an amazing lineup of speakers who brought diverse, firsthand perspectives to the table. Huge thanks to our speakers for sharing their expertise and guiding these vital conversations:
- Franziska Sophia Knogler (ESU)
- Sjur Bergan (Higher education expert)
- Nicole Bercerra Vivanco (SAIH)
- Bernadette Fae Taroc (Student at Risk in Norway)
- Max Dietrich (fzs)
- Jacob Blasius (GSF)
- Iris Kimizoglu (Eutopia)
- Henriette Stoeber (EUA)
Beyond the seminar room, a major highlight of the trip was a guided visit to the European Parliament. Stepping into the Parliament helped bring our discussions to life, connecting the core concepts of academic freedom with real-world policy, advocacy, and international governance.
What Our Participants Had to Say
We asked our attendees for their honest thoughts on how the seminar went. Here’s a look at what made the event special—and what we’re taking on board for next time:
“I especially appreciated the balance between theoretical discussions and practical activities, such as strategy workshops and sharing national experiences. Visiting European institutions also helped connect the topic of academic freedom with broader policy and advocacy processes. One of the strongest aspects of the project was the international atmosphere and openness among participants, which created a safe environment for discussion and collaboration.”
“Great input and sessions… I enjoyed the parliament visit. If you have any upcoming ESU events in Brussels, let me know and I’ll try to organize a visit at the Senate or Flemish Parliament for you guys!”
“the design and content is very well addressed. I would change the venue and add plugs. I’d also add more tangible team effort activities but I also understand that this may be done in the second one in autumn. I would have a longer key note session or lobby session since they had a lot of content and they were super useful. I would have gone deeper into content since is very well designed and made the event longer. As I said, very satisfied with the seminar. Merci for the organisation :)”
Looking Ahead
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who traveled to Brussels, spoke at the event, or supported us behind the scenes. Your insights, openness, and motivation are what make these initiatives thrive.
We’ve also taken a lot of great constructive feedback on board regarding catering, scheduling, and onboarding context, which we will use to make our upcoming autumn event in Bologna even better. See you at the next one!
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.
Upcoming Seminar on Students at Risk and Academic Freedom in Bologna – 5/9 October 2026
Save the date for the upcoming Seminar on Students at Risk and Academic Freedom, which will take place in Bologna, Italy, from 5 to 9 October 2026!
The seminar will provide an opportunity to discuss current challenges and good practices related to supporting students at risk and advocacy strategies.
Registration will open soon. Further information regarding the programme, registration process, and practical arrangements will be shared in the coming weeks.
