Academic freedom

The Society considers academic freedom to be central to our mission of advancing geographical science. It is essential that individuals and institutions have the freedom to carry out geographical teaching and research activities without fear of discrimination, censorship or other restrictions.

The Society is a full member of the International Geographical Union (IGU), which in turn is a full member of the International Science Council (ISC). As such, we subscribe to the principles of academic freedom and responsibility enshrined in ISC Statute 7:

The Principle of Freedom and Responsibility in Science

The free and responsible practice of science is fundamental to scientific advancement and human and environmental wellbeing. Such practice, in all its aspects, requires freedom of movement, association, expression and communication for scientists, as well as equitable access to data, information and other resources for research. It requires responsibility at all levels to carry out and communicate scientific work with integrity, respect, fairness, trustworthiness, and transparency, recognising its benefits and possible harms.

In advocating the free and responsible practice of science, the Council promotes equitable opportunities for access to science and its benefits, and opposes discrimination based on such factors as ethnic origin, religion, citizenship, language, political or other opinion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or age.

The Society highlights the imperative of independence, transparency and quality of higher education and research and will comment when these are threatened or undermined.