Welcome

PAUSE programme supports scientists and artists in exile by facilitating their hosting in higher education and research institutions or cultural institutions.

PAUSE programme also conducts advocacy activities for the defense of academic and artistic freedom.

News

Urgent appeal: PAUSE calls for solidarity

For many at-risk artists and scientists, the PAUSE programme represents immense hope. Today, facing unprecedented needs, PAUSE’s ability to act is under strain.
We are launching an urgent call for solidarity. Supporting us means ensuring that France remains a land of refuge for excellence and that lives are not shattered by inaction.

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The PAUSE 2024 activity report is now available!

The PAUSE programme is pleased to announce the publication of its 2024 activity report.

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Inspireurope+ Forum: Towards a coordinated European response for researchers in exile

Since 2019, Inspireurope+ has united key European stakeholders dedicated to protecting at-risk researchers, aiming to enhance the impact of individual initiatives and advocate collectively to European countries and institutions. The recent forum perfectly embodied this consortium’s spirit.

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Tribute to Ahmed Shamia, Palestinian architect and PAUSE laureate

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ahmed Shamia, Palestinian architect and artist, laureate of the PAUSE programme. Ahmed succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, May 13th, after being critically wounded in an Israeli strike on Gaza the previous week. He was 42 years old.

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Rallying to defend science and Academic Freedom: Let's act together on March 7th!

On March 7th, scientists worldwide are calling for mobilization in response to the increasingly alarming situation in the United States. It should mark the beginning of a broader, sustained, and global mobilization. It is our duty to ensure that the freedom to create, think, innovate, and transmit knowledge is guaranteed everywhere, for everyone.

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Host

You are a higher education and research institution under the aegis of the French Ministry for Higher Education and Research, an EESPIG-designated private higher education institution or an institution or a structure supported or under the aegis of the French Ministry of Culture. Your hosting project can be co-funded by the PAUSE programme.

Call for applications opening: August 25, 2025
Deadline for applications: September 25, 2025

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Be hosted

You are a scientist or an artist at risk due to the security situation or persecution you are experiencing in your country.


The PAUSE programme can allow you to continue your work by co-funding your stay in at a higher education and/or research establishment or a cultural institution in France.

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Closing words by : - Laura Lohéac, Executive Director, PAUSE Programme - Frank Albrecht, Head of Division Philipp Schwartz Initiative and Academic Freedom, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation ____________ “Academic Freedom is under threats in many places and it is crucial to understand there is no place where its defence and protection can be taken for granted.” — Thomas Römer, Administrator of the Collège de France In May 2025, the Inspireurope+ Stakeholder Forum brought together leading voices from across Europe at the Collège de France in Paris, to reaffirm a shared commitment: defending academic freedom and supporting researchers at risk. Since 2019, Inspireurope+ has been building a strong and lasting pan-European support network for scholars facing persecution, in partnership with Scholars at Risk Europe and funded by the **European Commission**. This year’s Forum, organized by the PAUSE Programme, spotlighted a pressing challenge: the long-term professional integration of displaced scholars—within academia and beyond. Experts, institutions, and stakeholders exchanged innovative strategies for sustainable inclusion in universities, companies, NGOs, and international organizations. About the PAUSE Programme: PAUSE is a joint initiative of public authorities and the academic and cultural communities in France. Hosted by the Collège de France since 2017, PAUSE ensures the protection of researchers and artists whose lives, freedom, and work are under threat. https://www.programmepause.fr/ 🔗 Learn more: Inspireurope+: [https://sareurope.eu/inspireurope/](https://sareurope.eu/inspireurope/) PAUSE Programme: [https://www.programmepause.fr/](https://www.programmepause.fr/) 📲 Follow us for updates: LinkedIn: [ / programme-national-pause ]( / programme-national-pause ) Bluesky: @programmepause.bsky.social #AcademicFreedom #ScholarsAtRisk #Inspireurope+ #PAUSE #CollègedeFrance
Closing words - Inspireurope+ Stakeholder Forum 2025 : Supporting researchers at-risk
RESTRICA Project spotlight presented by Pascale Laborier, Special Advisor, Professor for political science The Standing for Freedom exhibition originates from RESTRICA, a research-creation project by Pascale Laborier and Pierre-Jérôme Adjedj. It offers a unique visual exploration of academic exile through juxtaposed photography and objects. _________________ About the PAUSE Programme: PAUSE is a joint initiative of public authorities and the academic and cultural communities in France. Hosted by the Collège de France since 2017, PAUSE ensures the protection of researchers and artists whose lives, freedom, and work are under threat. https://www.programmepause.fr/ 🔗 Learn more: Inspireurope+: [https://sareurope.eu/inspireurope/](https://sareurope.eu/inspireurope/) PAUSE Programme: [https://www.programmepause.fr/](https://www.programmepause.fr/) 📲 Follow us for updates: LinkedIn: [ / programme-national-pause ]( / programme-national-pause ) Bluesky: @programmepause.bsky.social #AcademicFreedom #ScholarsAtRisk #Inspireurope+ #PAUSE #CollègedeFrance
Restrica Project Spotlight - Inspireurope+ Stakeholder Forum 2025 : Supporting researchers at-risk
Workshops wrap-up Reporters: - Workshop 1: Gianna Hegarty, Programme Officer, MSCA4Ukraine, SAR Europe - Workshop 2: Duygu Abbasoglu, Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre Jean Perrin - Workshop 3: Alexander Bikbov, Associated Researcher at CERCEC – EHESS - Workshop 4: Henriette Stoeber, Senior Policy Analyst, EUA - Workshop 5: Karolina Catoni, Deputy Head, International Center, University of Gothenburg ____________ “Academic Freedom is under threats in many places and it is crucial to understand there is no place where its defence and protection can be taken for granted.” — Thomas Römer, Administrator of the Collège de France In May 2025, the Inspireurope+ Stakeholder Forum brought together leading voices from across Europe at the Collège de France in Paris, to reaffirm a shared commitment: defending academic freedom and supporting researchers at risk. Since 2019, Inspireurope+ has been building a strong and lasting pan-European support network for scholars facing persecution, in partnership with Scholars at Risk Europe and funded by the European Commission. This year’s Forum, organized by the PAUSE Programme, spotlighted a pressing challenge: the long-term professional integration of displaced scholars—within academia and beyond. Experts, institutions, and stakeholders exchanged innovative strategies for sustainable inclusion in universities, companies, NGOs, and international organizations. About the PAUSE Programme: PAUSE is a joint initiative of public authorities and the academic and cultural communities in France. Hosted by the Collège de France since 2017, PAUSE ensures the protection of researchers and artists whose lives, freedom, and work are under threat. https://www.programmepause.fr/ 🔗 Learn more: Inspireurope+: [https://sareurope.eu/inspireurope/](https://sareurope.eu/inspireurope/) PAUSE Programme: [https://www.programmepause.fr/](https://www.programmepause.fr/) 📲 Follow us for updates: LinkedIn: [ / programme-national-pause ]( / programme-national-pause ) Bluesky: @programmepause.bsky.social #AcademicFreedom #ScholarsAtRisk #Inspireurope+ #PAUSE #CollègedeFrance
Workshops wrap-up - Inspireurope+ Stakeholder Forum 2025 : Supporting researchers at-risk
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