Every year, Cara receives hundreds of requests for help from persecuted and at-risk academics. Many are desperate, and in immediate danger.
In partnership with universities and research institutes, trusts and foundations, learned societies and other like-minded organisations, as well as many academics and other concerned individuals, Cara offers them solidarity, support to reach a place where they can work in safety, and financial and practical help.
Some hope to return home one day. Cara helps them to connect with colleagues within the wider academic and scientific communities, facilitating collaboration, enhancing skills and ending isolation, so that, when the moment comes, they are equipped to re-build their societies.
Others know that the risks will always be too great for them to go back. Cara helps them to build new lives and careers, where they can use their talents and skills for the good of all.
Cara also runs programmes to help those trying to work on in their countries, despite the risks, and those forced into exile in the surrounding region.
The support of over 110 universities that make up the Cara Scholars at Risk UK Universities Network is central to the effective delivery of Cara’s work. Cara also works with a growing number of universities abroad, in Europe and beyond.
An ‘academic’ is someone who has held a post as a lecturer and/or researcher in a higher education institution or equivalent. Cara does not distinguish between seniority, gender or discipline.