The University’s Role in Public Debate
The public engagement of members of the university community enriches democratic debate and sustains its vitality. Protected by academic freedom, they are able to conduct research, teach, and share their knowledge without political or ideological interference, using their expertise to shed light on the challenges our societies face.
By providing a space where ideas can be debated freely, and in accordance with its Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, the University plays a key role in the production and dissemination of knowledge, and in the development of public policy grounded in objective facts — whether relating to environmental, social, or economic issues.
It offers a rigorous and pluralistic framework for discussion, while not itself being a stakeholder in the debates taking place within it. The institutional reserve to which it adheres is not a limitation but, on the contrary, a necessary condition for freedom of expression and the diversity of ideas within the University.
Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom
Freedom of expression and academic freedom are essential to the proper functioning of the University. Their protection requires constant vigilance and active promotion.
The University of Geneva protects freedom of expression — that is, the right of members of its community to express their opinions, including those that may offend, shock, or disturb — in accordance with clear standards and the rules and values set out in its Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. This freedom must, however, respect the rules and principles necessary for the proper functioning of the institution and the fulfilment of its mission, including, for staff, the duty of loyalty.
The institution also safeguards the academic freedom of researchers — that is, their right to pursue their work freely and without interference — thereby ensuring the University’s missions of teaching, research, and service to society.
Institutional Reserve
Institutional reserve is the principle by which the University refrains from taking positions on political or societal issues in order to preserve its independence and ensure a space for free and informed debate.
The University of Geneva adheres to this duty of institutional reserve. In doing so, it does not take a position on matters of cantonal, Swiss, or international politics. This duty applies to all bodies and entities within the institution.
The Rectorate may, however, make exceptions to this principle and express a position in cases where the institution is affected in the fulfilment of its core missions (teaching, research, and service to society), including when:
- the academic or professional activities of members of its community are seriously under threat;
- institutional projects of the University of Geneva — relating to its functioning and based on recognised knowledge — are being undermined, such as those involving equality, diversity and inclusion, or environmental sustainability.
In very exceptional cases, and on matters of a purely political nature, the Rectorate may decide to issue a call for respect for the values that animate the institution and are reflected both in its actions and in the work of its researchers. This may apply, for example, to human rights or to the University of Geneva’s commitment to climate action. The Rectorate ensures that any such call does not interfere with the institution’s core missions (teaching, research, and service to society), respects the principle of proportionality — particularly with regard to the diversity of viewpoints within the institution and the University’s duty of care towards its members — and is based on objective facts as known to it. It also ensures that academic freedom is not compromised.
Institutional Agreements
The conclusion, suspension, or termination of institutional agreements does not reflect political positions or choices, but academic decisions aimed at fulfilling the institution’s mission, in particular with regard to research and teaching. These decisions reflect the principle that science is inherently universal.
Research and academic collaborations arising from institutional agreements must comply fully with all regulations governing research at the University of Geneva; their content is subject to an ethical review process.
Agreements may be suspended or terminated if exceptional circumstances require it, particularly where the safety of community members is at risk or the conditions for academic activity can no longer be met.
The University of Geneva renounces the notion of “strategic partnerships”, as these do not, either geographically or in content, reflect the strategic priorities of the institution.
The international institutional agreements that the University of Geneva seeks to maintain and develop relate to research, mobility, and its participation in international networks and alliances such as 4EU+, G3, and ACR.
