Sciences Po and Its CIVICA Partners Stand for Academic Freedom & University Autonomy

In times of global uncertainty, CIVICA – a European alliance of ten leading universities in the social sciences – reaffirms its stance against political or financial interference in science and education. The alliance is concerned by attempts across the globe to restrict academic inquiry or reshape institutions for ideological ends. Such actions erode the autonomy of higher education institutions and undermine the quality of academic research and teaching.

During a Presidents' meeting at SGH Warsaw last week, the CIVICA partners decided on a joint statement to reaffirm the importance of academic freedom and institutional autonomy, as essential pillars of democratic and open societies.

In keeping with the core values of their mission, CIVICA partners express their solidarity with institutions, scholars, and students facing pressure or discrimination. CIVICA remains committed to fostering free and open spaces for academic inquiry and critical debate, encouraging diversity of views and pluralism.

The joint statement is endorsed by:

• Sciences Po,
• Bocconi University,
• Central European University,
• European University Institute,
• Hertie School,
• National University of Political Studies and Public Administration,
• SGH Warsaw School of Economics,
• Stockholm School of Economics.

Following a report co-authored by Florence Haegel, Marie Mawad, and Jeremy Perelman, submitted to the President of Sciences Po, Sciences Po adopted its own doctrine on the same topics in March 2025.

Sciences Po applies a general principle of institutional restraint. This refocusing ensures the pluralism of opinions within the human, intellectual, and academic community that is Sciences Po.

This principle is distinct from that of "neutrality" and does not imply the institution's disengagement from all public debate. Positions taken by Sciences Po are indeed considered legitimate if they are linked to the primary missions of the institution.