How does ISPP support scholars whose academic freedom is at risk?

Updated

ISPP (International Society of Political Psychology) supports scholars facing threats to their academic freedom through three main channels: it has joined the Scholars at Risk Network to advocate for and protect at-risk scholars worldwide, it operates a Scholars Under Threat Fund that channels donations to affected academics, and it runs a Twinning Program that accepts applications on a rolling basis. You can participate either by donating to the fund or by applying to the Twinning Program.

What "academic freedom at risk" means here

ISPP defines academic freedom as the right to teach and/or research a topic without fear of personal or professional repercussions, and treats it as essential for the advancement of scientific knowledge. Its support is aimed at anyone whose academic freedom is at risk anywhere in the world — not limited to ISPP members or to a single country.

The three support mechanisms

1. Scholars at Risk Network membership

To combat what ISPP describes as a growing threat to academic freedom, the Society joined the Scholars at Risk Network. Through this affiliation, ISPP aims to protect anyone whose academic freedom is at risk anywhere in the world.

2. Scholars Under Threat Fund

This is ISPP's donation-based fund. According to the site, donations made to the fund "will currently be used to help support academic scholars in Turkey who have been impacted by the recent actions of the country's government." In other words, the fund's current allocation is geographically targeted rather than general-purpose.

3. Twinning Program

ISPP is "accepting applications for the Twinning Program on a rolling basis." Because the site does not detail the program's matching structure or eligibility rules on the pages reviewed, treat the rolling application as the entry point and confirm specifics with ISPP directly.

How to participate

Goal Action Notes
Financial support Donate to the Scholars Under Threat Fund Current use: scholars in Turkey affected by government actions
Program-based support Apply to the Twinning Program Rolling basis; no fixed deadline stated
General involvement Learn more via ISPP's Scholars at Risk page Linked from the ISPP homepage

What to check before acting

  • Donation destination: Confirm how funds are currently allocated at the time you give, since ISPP states the present use is Turkey-focused.
  • Twinning Program terms: The site confirms rolling applications but does not publish detailed eligibility or matching criteria in the material reviewed — request these from ISPP before applying.
  • Membership vs. support: The support mechanisms above are separate from ISPP membership; the site lists a membership pricing page, but pricing details are not included in the material reviewed here.

ISPP also maintains a Scholars Under Threat Committee, which issues announcements and calls — including a Call for Small Grant Proposals and a Call for Governing Council Nominations dated October 6, 2025 — so its support work extends beyond the fund and Twinning Program into grant and governance activity.