The core objective of the SPHERE online seminar on values was to explore how the issues described above are experienced across SPHERE countries, whether there is a common understanding regarding academic values and what challenges are experienced. It aimed to share some of the concepts and lessons learned currently under development in Europe, in order to strengthen the values-base of higher education institutions and systems, and by doing so, to strengthen democratic systems and the freedoms of individual citizens. Finally, the seminar also addressed how higher education institutions can balance between value commitments and international cooperation needs.
The online seminar:
- Explored what are values, and why they are important for higher education institutions and their members
- Offered case-studies on how fundamental values in higher education are evolving across different national and institutional contexts
- Presented European-level policy and tools, including frameworks for monitoring higher education values
- Discussed key challenges in promoting academic freedom, autonomy and values-based international cooperation
- Identified some of the common needs to strengthen and safeguard core values within the institutions and systems of HERE countries