The Freedom of Science and Academic Freedom

Summary

International human rights law protects the freedom indispensable for scientific research, and UNESCO recommends that all higher education teaching personnel be granted academic freedom. “Freedom of science” and “academic freedom” are two closely related concepts, yet they differ slightly with regard to who can claim them. They are not absolute freedoms, but limitations are generally permissible only when prescribed by law—for example, in order to protect the rights and freedoms of others or to protect national security. Many countries explicitly recognize the freedom of science or academic freedom in their constitutions, and the vast majority of states have entered into binding obligations by ratifying applicable human rights treaties. Despite these de jure commitments, the de facto realization of scholarly freedoms varies across time and space. Neither the freedom of science nor academic freedom can be taken for granted.