Council for At-Risk Academics

Description

Cara, the Council for At-Risk Academics, is a British charity that supports academics and scientists facing danger because of their work. It was founded in 1933 as the Academic Assistance Council, after the expulsion of scholars from German universities on racial grounds, and has changed its name twice since, becoming Cara in 2014. It is based in London and works closely with universities across the UK and abroad.

Cara helps academics who are in immediate danger, forced into exile, or who choose to remain in their home countries despite serious risks. It also supports higher education institutions whose work is compromised by conflict or repression. Around three-quarters of UK higher education institutions are actively engaged with its work, and it also has international partners.

Its Fellowship Programme arranges academic placements at partner universities, securing fee waivers, funding and visas for scholars and often their families. Cara also runs country programmes, such as past work in Iraq and Zimbabwe, providing grants, equipment and support for research collaboration. Many of the academics it supports hope to return home when conditions allow, to help rebuild their countries’ higher education systems.