Perspectives on Academic Freedom, on the afternoon of 18 November 2011 in the Iontas Theatre at NUI Maynooth from 14:00 - 18:45.  Please see attached Poster for full schedule.  Hosted by the Faculties of the National University of Ireland Maynooth. In this conference it is hoped to    

• explore the genesis and evolution of Academic Freedom in the western university tradition;
• develop a working definition of and define the limits to academic freedom in Ireland today;
• consider how universities can meet their obligations to preserve and promote academic freedom as required by the 1997 Universities Act [Ireland]; and
• broaden our appreciation of academic freedom and the challenges it raises for members of the university and members of society.

 Speakers and panelists at the conference include

• Eric Barendt, Emeritus Professor of Law at University College London. He is the author of many books and articles on freedom of speech, libel and privacy law, and broadcasting regulation. His most recent book is Academic Freedom and the Law. He is co-chair of the Council for Academic Freedom and Academic Standards which defends the academic freedom of staff at Higher Education Institutions in the UK. ·  
•  Terence Karran, is a Senior Academic in the Centre for Educational Research and Development, University of Lincoln, U.K.  His current research interests focus on the principle and practice academic freedom, and the protection for academic freedom in the EU, the USA and Latin America.  He is a member of the New York University’s Scholars At Risk Academic Freedom Advocacy Team. He is also a Docent in the Education Faculty at the University of Oulu, Finland.    
• Priyamvada Gopal, is a lecturer in the Faculty of English at the University of Cambridge. Her research interests include colonial and post-colonial literatures in English, modern Indian writing in English and translation and comparative Asian literatures.  She is actively involved in promoting Academic Freedom at Cambridge.
• John Hennessy has more than 30 years’ experience in the Telecommunication industry both in Ireland and Overseas and has held senior positions across all aspects of Ericsson’s activities. In addition he has been a member of various Government advisory boards, and is also a member of the governing body of Irish Business and Employer Confederation, Board member of the Labour Relations Commission,  Advisor to a number of start up companies in Ireland, and Chairman of the board of L M Ericsson Holdings Ltd. John holds an MSc and is Chartered Director.
• Philip Nolan, is President of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth.  He is a physician – scientist, with research interests in the control of breathing and the cardiovascular system during sleep.  He joined the staff of University College Dublin in 1996, was Director of the UCD Conway Institute from 2003 to 2004, and was appointed Registrar and Deputy President of UCD in 2004.  He led a programme of major curricular development, a reform of doctoral education, and oversaw the internationalisation of the university.  He was appointed President, NUI Maynooth in August 2011.  

                       
We expect a lively and informed debate and hope to see you there