Endangered researchers

In line with its commitment to Geneva’s tradition of intellectual asylum, the University of Geneva (UNIGE) supports academic freedom by welcoming at-risk researchers into its research units. Nearly 30 researchers, persecuted for their work or fleeing from conflict zones, have found refuge at UNIGE since 2011. The 2024 Free to Think Report by Scholars at Risk (SAR) highlights growing needs due to the numerous conflict zones and the rise authoritarian regimes worldwide.

In 2025, UNIGE is hosting nine at-risk researchers from Afghanistan, Yemen, Ukraine, and Haiti.

The hosting program for Endangered researchers

For whom?

The UNIGE program is for researchers identified by the Scholars at Risk (SAR) network or who hold an asylum-related permit in Switzerland. It is open to confirmed scholars, with a PhD or several years of university teaching experience, and who have several publications.

How ?

The Integration Delegation receives applications from the researcher, a hosting unit, or SAR. It connects researchers with a potential hosting unit and prepares their arrival. Hosting terms vary depending on the situation, defined in collaboration with the faculty and hosting unit.

Funding?

The hosting can be co-financed by an SNSF-SAR grant and/or a UNIGE scholarship. UNIGE scholarships are funded by external donors, both private and public. Additional funding is requested from the faculty or hosting unit in all cases.

Who decides?

The Integration Delegation prepares the applications, which are submitted for approval to the Committee for At-Risk Researchers, chaired by the Vice-Rector for International Relations, Stéphane Berthet.