STSM Testimonials: Academic Freedom, Politics, and Mobility: Reflections from My STSM at the University of Cambridge

One of the most well-known definitions of academic freedom among European scholars is Humboldt’s definition, which is simply the freedom of research, discourse, and teaching. Exquisitely, it is the pursuit of truth without regard to ideology, identity, or authority, and within the boundaries of social responsibility and professional standards. Other definitions of academic freedom also mostly stress institutional autonomy, integrity, creative activity, disseminating and publishing freely, freedom of expression, the absence of institutional pressure and censorship, etc. But is it really so? Do we ever take the term for granted? Are higher education institutions and academic freedom ever utilized for political agendas or influenced by them? How do higher education institutions perform within national and international politics as actors?

Although in-depth and highly complex, the Nietzschean and Foucauldian genealogical approach is the historical criticism that traces the contingent moments of ruptures, continuities, and power relations which transform the values and dynamics of today. Higher education institutions as actors and academic freedom as a tool are critical concepts to analyze the power relationships between the research environment and the political arena.

In September 2025, I was at the University of Cambridge. Awarded by the COST Action CA22121, I undertook a Short-term Scientific Mission to explore the relationship between academic freedom and politics in Türkiye through a genealogical lens.

Both academically and personally enriching, this STSM provided me with a great opportunity to access the vast collections and databases of the Cambridge University Library to develop a conceptual framework and mapping of the events that I have been constantly compiling. Yet the most valuable part of this experience was not only access to resources but also the conversations I had. I met regularly with my host, Professor Jo-Anne Dillabough. Together, we discussed which concepts to focus on and how to conceptualize and map genealogical events. Her insights and feedback were crucial in helping me deepen my analysis.

However, the STSM was beneficial beyond the scope of research. This period turned out to be not only academically rewarding but also a significant step forward in my career development. It allowed me to work in an interdisciplinary environment, gain access to world-class academic resources, and engage in international collaboration. The opportunity to co-author an article with a leading scholar in the field is a milestone for me as an early-career researcher. In short, my time in Cambridge not only enabled me to conduct research on a significant topic but also reminded me that mobility is an overlooked aspect of academic freedom, which not every scholar enjoys equally. I feel privileged to have had this opportunity, with special thanks to the OPEN COST Action.