The freedom of science is a cornerstone of academic inquiry, public discourse and democratic society, yet it is often debated solely in political terms. This course offers a unique opportunity for doctoral students to:

• Engage with current societal challenges at the intersection of science, policy and society through rigorous scholarly analysis
• Explore how the freedom of science shapes their own research and academic practice.
• Develop skills and strategies to navigate and communicate about the freedom of science within and beyond academia.

Who may participate? PhD students from all Swiss Universities are welcome to attend and earn credit points. To register, they need to submit a completed and signed registration sheet to the Student Administration. Masters students may also be considered for participation.

How to Apply: Please register via the University of Basel Online Services portal by 22 September 2026. PhD students from other Swiss universities follow the instructions to register under the Swissmobility program. If you have missed the registration please send an email to alexandra.hofmaenner@unibas.ch.

Dates and location:
Thursday, 19 Nov. (09:15 – 11:15), online Zoom meeting
Friday, 27. Nov. (09:15 – 16:00), Department of Social Sciences, University of Basel, Rheinsprung 21, seminar room 00.004

Course organisers
Alexandra Hofmänner (University of Basel)
Pascal Schmid (University of Basel)
Aline Stehrenberger (University of St. Gallen)
Monika Plozza (University of Bern)