We are Speak Up! in Academia
We are a grassroots, non-profit association, founded in 2019, that advocates for fair and transparent processes in academic institutions. We aim to improve the organisational culture at universities and research institutions through three main pillars
We speak up against specific cases of discrimination, bullying, and harassment that drawn to our attention in Swiss academic institutions. Our aim is to help victims have a voice and reach more favourable outcomes.
We continually advocate for better processes to prevent, investigate, and condemn abuse of power in academia. We meet with relevant parties, such as management of academic institutions and politicians, in order to put forward ideas and establish improved practices.
We support those in academia by sharing our advice on how to manage specific cases of discrimination, bullying, or harassment. We can offer legal and financial advice, as well as moral support, drawing on our experience with similar situations and network of other orgnisations.
We are a membership based organisation, inviting students, academic employees, practitioners and interested organisations to become members
Our board is a team of volunteers made up of students, employees and practitioners, united in our mission to make academia a better place to work and study
Our Story
Following an investigation into alleged sexual harassement in the ETHZ Architecture Department in 2019, a crowdfunder was initiated. The proceeds enabled both the witnesses from the investigation to cover their legal fees and the launch of Speak Up! in Academia. Speak Up! continues to be made possible through the generous donations of many academics, practitioners, and members of the general public.
