Also across Europe, we are currently witnessing democratic backsliding and values such as academic freedom and institutional autonomy coming increasingly under threat. It is thus crucial that we as the academic community know how to get involved to actively strengthen and safeguard democracy, higher education, and research. In a mix of theoretical lectures and hands-on seminars, the “Eurodoc Ambassador Programme for Values and Democracy in European Research and Higher Education (ValDem)” enables academics to deepen their understanding of the role higher education and research play for democracies. The goal is to empower researchers to become ambassadors for democracy within their institutions, their research communities, as well as in society. 

Launched successfully in 2025, the 2026 edition of the ValDem programme is an 8-week, two-part course that encompasses a total of 14 lectures and 4 seminar sessions. Part I situates research and higher education in Europe in a democratic context and explores the role and responsibilities of researchers and educators. Part II focuses on the institutional structures and addresses the role of democratic public authorities in providing frameworks for research and higher education institutions in Europe. The lectures will be given by experts providing the most recent insights into the different areas of concern both in terms of research and in terms of policy discussions. The small group seminars ensure that the ambassadors can articulate their own role regarding the democratic mission of higher education, reflect on tensions between the different expectations, and become part of a network of peers.

The programme is designed for academics from all disciplines and on all career levels, but emphatically invites early career researchers to participate. It requires no prior knowledge.

Knowledge: participants will understand

• the role of higher education in and for democracies in Europe

• their own role as academics and citizens in Europe

• their own role and responsibilities in the higher education and research environment, as well as other stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities

• the ‘democratic mission’ of higher education and the six EHEA fundamental values as formulated by the Council of Europe

• the legislative and governance context in which HEIs operate

• the key frameworks of the EU and the EHEA and the European Higher Education Policies, especially the democratic principles, and is familiar with the respective policy documents

• understands the difference of the global/European role of higher education and local contexts

• understands the current challenges higher education and research face

Skills: participants will be able to

• advocate more effectively for democratic principles and values-based higher education policies and governance

• analyse local circumstances and find local solutions and leverage point

• communicate EHEA values and principles effectively 

• mobilise others to participate in advocacy and to develop solutions for local challenges

Values: participants will be more committed to

• democratic principles and the human rights

• academic freedom, academic integrity, and institutional autonomy

• diversity, intercultural dialog, respect, equity, and equality

• ethical standards and the elimination of discriminatory practices

• student and staff participation in higher education governance

• public responsibility for higher education and public responsibility of higher education

• respecting different practices that are grounded in fairness, democratic procedures, and the democratic rule of law