Save the Date – 7./8.9.26 – 2nd ICON.S Austrian Chapter Conference – Academic Freedom and Democracy

“Academic Freedom and Democracy”

2nd ICON.S Austrian Chapter Conference

7th and 8th of September 2026

Venue: University of Graz

RESOWI, Universitätsstraße 15, 8010 Graz

The International Society of Public Law (ICON.S) founded an Austrian Chapter in 2022. Based in the heart of Europe, the Austrian Chapter aims to connect different neighbouring chapters of ICON.S, especially the CEE Chapter, the German Chapter and the Italian Chapter. The support of early career scholars and the promotion of plurality and interdisciplinarity in research are core values of the Austrian Chapter.

The Second Austrian Chapter Conference will focus on the manifold interrelations of academic freedom and democracy. Academic freedom is under increasing pressure across the globe. In recent years, we have witnessed mounting threats to scholars, universities, and other academic institutions – from political interference and authoritarian tendencies to the growing influence of market forces. These developments pose significant challenges not only to the autonomy of academia but also to the broader democratic order.

The conference adopts a broad understanding of academic freedom, encompassing both individual and institutional dimensions. It seeks to illuminate how academic freedom interacts with and supports other fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and the right to privacy. These intersections are of increasing importance as societies grapple with democratic backsliding, technological transformation, and global crises.

The conference aims to address the overarching concept of academic freedom in public law as well as concrete challenges of the 21st century, highlighting its essential role in sustaining democracy and democratic development. We welcome global perspectives from all continents, while placing particular emphasis on experiences in Central and Eastern Europe, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. The conference will approach the topic from a comparative and interdisciplinary perspective, exploring themes such as but not limited to:

  • The establishment and protection of academic freedom in constitutional and international public law
  • The role of academic freedom in resisting authoritarianism and democratic backsliding
  • The impact of privatisation, marketisation, and performance-based funding on academic autonomy
  • Digitalisation, surveillance, and the reshaping of academic spaces and expression
  • Institutional responsibilities and safeguards for academic freedom
  • The relationship between academic freedom and broader societal trust in science and education

If you are interested in participating, please register: www.icon-society.at

A Call for Papers will follow soon!