Through this paper LERU on the one hand sets out the main dimensions and scope of academic freedom as a fundamental right and on the other hand aims to indicate how European and national policymakers etc. can and should take measures to effectively (amongst others) protect and strengthen academic freedom. LERU emphasises that academic freedom is more than a just a goal, it is also a tool to serve society.

Academic freedom is considered to consist of three main aspects, which mutually reinforce one another and should be taken into account in case of conflict:

• Far-reaching individual rights to expressive freedoms for members of the academic community mainly as free enquirers;
• Collective or institutional autonomy for the academy in general and/or subsections thereof;
• An obligation for the public authorities to respect and protect academic freedom. 

LERU furthermore stresses that it is the state’s job to guarantee academic freedom, since it can’t achieve its full potential if it’s restricted in any way, shape or form.

This paper was written in light of Human Rights day (December 10^th).