Scholarly Social Talks North: Collaborative strategies to #DefendResearch and ensure academic freedom

We are delighted to invite you to a Scholarly Social Talks event at the Everyman Cinema in Leeds on Thursday 25th September 2025. We hope that this is the first of many future events in the north of the UK, and we are extremely grateful to Emerald Publishing for supporting us to make this occasion possible.

Collaborative strategies to #DefendResearch and ensure academic freedom
September 25 2025  - The Everyman Leeds

At a time of geopolitical instability, the language and objectives of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are increasingly under threat, with widespread disruption to research, education, and library programs, and the withdrawal of crucial sources of research funding.

How can scholarly publishers, as key stakeholders and participants in the global academic community, unite to effectively resist censorship and uphold academic freedom?

This event is dedicated to encouraging open dialogue around the #DefendResearch initiative. We aim to explore and develop practical strategies to combat censorship and strengthen support networks for publishers and researchers facing these critical challenges.

Our panel will be chaired by Vicky Williams, Chief Executive of Emerald Publishing, who will be joined by four speakers to provide a range of perspectives:

• Sara Rouhi, Co-author of the #DefendResearch declaration (virtual panellist)
• Josh Sendall, Acting University Librarian & Keeper of the Brotherton Collection
• Mustafa B. Ozturk, Programme Director and Researcher at Queen Mary University of London
• Terri Teleen, Americas President at Emerald Publishing
  

The event will be in two parts with talks and discussion from invited speakers followed by drinks. You are welcome to both or either element and can indicate your preferences when you register.

Part One, Panel Discussion:
4 - 4.30pm           Arrival & networking (Foyer)
4.30 - 4.40 pm    Introduction (Screen 4)
4.40 - 5.20 pm    Panel discussion
5.20 - 5.40 pm    Q&A
5.40 - 5.50 pm    Final words

Part Two, Scholarly Social:
6 - 8 pm               Drinks & networking, in the downstairs bar at the Everyman

Please note light refreshments will be provided by Emerald during the networking and panel event. Scholarly Social drinks following will be on a pay your own way basis.

Scholarly Social is an open and collaborative social gathering to share ideas and make connections with anyone involved in scholarly communication and to catch up with old friends. Everyone connected to scholarly communication is welcome, including researchers, publishers, librarians, technologists, scientists, consultants, and students. 

We are planning to hold events in different parts of the UK - if you would like to collaborate on a networking event please get in touch  - scholarlysocial@gmail.com