Nurturing Knowledge: Hosting Exiled Scholars
Friday, March 27 2026, 1:00 – 2:00pm EDT
Virtual
A compelling discussion with university leaders around the world. Moderated by our Founding Director, Dr. Arien Mack.
When scholars are forced into exile, the work of protection is only the beginning. During this webinar, four university liaisons to the New University in Exile Consortium will discuss how hosting endangered scholars creates dynamic spaces of exchange—expanding cultural understanding, deepening intellectual inquiry, and reinforcing the defense of academic freedom. Learn how institutions can move beyond safe haven to build vibrant communities rooted in solidarity, reciprocity, and the shared pursuit of knowledge.
Panelists:
Nathan Camp, Associate Director for Partnership Development at Yale University.
Nathan takes the lead in managing relationships with multilateral organizations, works with faculty on strategic partnerships, and facilitates the collection of partnership data. He staffs the Yale Scholars at Risk initiative and serves as chair of the steering committee for the Scholars at Risk Network’s US section. He also manages the Yale and the World Partnership Fund, is Yale’s Fulbright Scholar Liaison, and a fellow and advisor at Morse College.
Anita Deeg-Carlin, Visiting Instructor of Global Studies & Director for Intercultural Learning at Wesleyan University.
Raised in a bilingual immigrant household, Anita began studying languages and cultures at an early age. She created an interdisciplinary major at Wheaton College, IL, called “Culture and Development” and minored in Human Needs and Global Resources which included a six month internship in Uganda. Anita has held positions at Fairfield University and Trinity College before landing at Wesleyan in the summer of 2022. She has experience working in career counseling, international education, international students, and intercultural learning.
Gemma Irvine, Vice President for Equality & Diversity at Maynooth University.
Dr. Gemma Irvine is currently Vice-President of Equality & Diversity in Maynooth University with responsibility for leading strategic change in the areas of ensuring equality, valuing and celebrating diversity, and promoting inclusion across the entire University community, students and staff.
Iris Vernekohl, Senior Policy Advisor for Internationalisation and Global Engagement at Ruhr-Universität Bochum.
Ms. Iris Vernekohl is currently Senior Policy Advisor for Internationalization and Global Engagement at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany, where she directs the Scholars at Risk Program. She is also a member of the Steering Committee of the Scholars at Risk Network-Germany Section and chair of the Utrecht Network Task Force “Responsible Internationalization and Global Engagement: Promoting Academic Freedom and Academic Responsibility in International Higher Education”.