The Villa Decius Institute of Culture in Krakow accepted the first Scholars at Risk (SAR) scholarship holder in Poland, Prof. Candan Badem, a Turkish historian who suffered repression over a wave of layoffs at universities.

Prof. Candan Badem, unable to safely continue his work and research activities in Turkey, obtained assistance under the SAR program. Support and shelter for the persecuted scientist were provided by the Villa Decius Cultural Institute, the city of Krakow and the Jagiellonian University.

Scholars at Risk (SAR) is an international network of academic institutions and individuals with a mission to protect persecuted members of the university community and to promote academic freedom.

The network includes 507 universities, colleges and associations in 39 countries. Last year, more than 580 scientists sought such help. The Jagiellonian University and the Villa Decius Institute of Culture were the first and only Polish organizations to join the network.