Sustaining Academic Freedom: New Impulses for German-Georgian Academic Cooperation

On July 7 and 8, 2026, the conference “Sustaining Academic Freedom: Ilia State University and its Academic Partnerships with Germany” took place at the College for Social Sciences and Humanities | UA Ruhr in Essen. In collaboration with Ilia State University, the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr) brought together representatives from academia, university administrations, funding organizations, and civil society from Germany and Georgia.

The focus was on the current situation of the Georgian higher education landscape, academic freedom and institutional autonomy, as well as the future of German-Georgian academic cooperation. Discussions centered in particular on how academic exchange and international partnerships can be continued and strengthened even under difficult conditions.

In addition to expert presentations and a panel discussion, participants developed concrete ideas for further collaboration in four workshops—ranging from cooperation across various academic disciplines to funding and support opportunities, as well as institutional partnerships and international networking.

A key outcome is the continuation of this exchange within a closer-knit network. Together, the participants aim to further develop concrete opportunities for cooperation and support and to deepen the dialogue with universities, funding organizations, and other stakeholders. A first digital follow-up meeting has already taken place, and an in-person working meeting in Tbilisi is planned for October.

The conference was organized and initiated by the UA Ruhr Liaison Office for Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus (EECA) in collaboration with Ilia State University.