Deadline for submission : 15 September 2025
This study day focuses on the issues of academic knowledge production and the position of scientific knowledge producers in the context of anti-democratic attacks on climate and environmental research.
In terms of production, we are focusing on the institutions, habits, resources, networks and other material aspects of scientific work that are under threat, directly or indirectly. These elements, such as solid and consistent public funding, peer review, universities that protect academic freedom, and international and interdisciplinary collaboration, are some of the minimum conditions necessary for the creation of high-quality empirical research.
Each of these conditions, and many more besides, are currently being put to the test or attacked outright. What are the antagonistic actions underway? Who is leading them? What are the short-, medium- and long-term consequences for research and the careers of the people who carry it out? With regard to the question of position, how are scientists who study climate change and the environment reacting to these circumstances, if at all? What kind of collective or individual action have they taken? These include, but are not limited to, the reflections and initiatives of learned societies and trade unions, as well as more emerging groups (e.g. Labos 1point5, the various Atecopol groups and Scientifiques en rébellion).
How do researchers from different disciplines discuss these issues within and outside their institutions, professional organisations and research laboratories? What thoughts are emerging on the principle of the autonomy of the scientific arena vis-à-vis other arenas (particularly activist ones)? What role(s) can institutional attempts to clarify the exercise of academic freedom (such as the CNRS Guide to the Public Expression of Scientists) play?
