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Leiden Science Run will run for endangered scientists

The Leiden Science Run 2019 is dedicated to Scholars at Risk, a programme of the UAF, an organisation for refugee students. This programme offers endangered scientists a temporary opportunity to continue their research work in a safe academic environment.

Protecting academic freedom

Scientists around the world are threatened with death because of their ideas, research and social position. The protection of these scientists and the principle of academic freedom is important to the UAF and Leiden University. The right of every human being to think, ask questions and exchange ideas is the basis for science and a free and prosperous society. For this reason, the profits from the Leiden Science Run on 28 September will go to Scholars at Risk.

Working safely

The Scholars at Risk programme temporarily offers endangered scientists a safe academic environment. If the situation in the country of origin is safe, the scientists will return. If return is not an option, the UAF, together with the scientists, will look for alternative ways to continue the work abroad. The UAF currently supervises 30 scientists. Most of them come from Syria and Turkey. Three endangered scientists work at Leiden University.

Scholars at Risk

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Run along!

Do you like running, or do you want to help endangered scientists? Then sign up for the Leiden Science Run 2019! With a team of four you will run 4.44 kilometers each in relay form, in honour of the 444th anniversary of Leiden University. Each team contributes to charity with the registration fee of 25 euros and by asking family, friends and colleagues to sponsor them.

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The UAF is a foundation dedicated to the development of refugee students and professionals, and to their integration into the Dutch labour market. They have been doing so since 1948. The UAF is convinced that anyone who can use their knowledge is meaningful in the Netherlands. With their knowledge and experience they advise and connect refugees, educational institutions, (local) governments and employers.

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