What is Academic Freedom?
Academic freedom is a foundational principle of Imperial’s mission, entirely necessary for the purposes of research and teaching for which the institution was established. These freedoms underpin our essential purpose of inquiry and action through which we seek to maximise Imperial’s potential as a force for good in the world, as outlined in our Strategy: Science for Humanity. Imperial is committed to ensuring that that academic freedom within the law is secured for academic staff of the University.
Academic Freedom is broadly defined in sections VI and VII of Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher Education Teaching personnel adopted by the General Council of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on 11 November 1997 (as set out in the Appendix to Imperial’s Ordinances); and protected in law, as in the Higher Education & Research Act 2017, so that academic staff are free within the law — to question and test received wisdom and to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, for example in the context of teaching and within research grant proposals and publications - without placing themselves at risk of being adversely affected through loss of their jobs or privileges by the University and/or the likelihood of their securing promotion or different jobs at the University being reduced.
Information about the Working Together Working Group
- Freedom of Speech and Code of Practice
- How does it apply at Imperial
- How is it supported at Imperial
Imperial is committed to upholding and promoting the fundamental rights of lawful freedom of speech together with academic freedom. As an institution of higher education, we encourage all members of our community to engage in rigorous and challenging debate within the law. We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that members of our community can express their lawful views on our campuses.
Our Freedom of Speech Code of Practice (“Code”) and Events Procedure are designed to ensure that, as far as reasonably practicable, freedom of speech within the law is secured for students and staff of the University and visiting speakers, and that academic freedom within the law is secured for academic staff of the University. For this purpose, this includes the Academic, Teaching and Research job families. The Code and Events Procedure apply to all staff, students, honorary staff, visitors and authorised external speakers. The Code also emphasises that lawful free speech is a right that must be balanced with other rights – such as the right of a person not to be harassed – and so in line with Imperial’s Values all members of our community are reminded of the need to be respectful of others in the manner in which lawful views are expressed.
The Code was recently updated in line with the requirements of the amendments to the Higher Education & Research Act 2017 introduced by the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, with advice from the Freedom of Speech Task Group. It was approved by Council in July 2024.
More information about Freedom of Speech can be found here.
Academic freedom is a legal right afforded to academic staff; at Imperial, for this purpose this includes the Academic, Teaching and Research job families, and enables research and teaching in any area of enquiry, expressed in all related activities, including instruction and discussion, supervision, publication of ideas, and events such as seminars, colloquia or conferences that are organised within this context.
As a matter of policy, Imperial chooses to extend the benefits of academic freedom to Postgraduate Research students in the context of their work under the direction of their supervisor(s).
The right and privilege of freedom of enquiry and instruction carries responsibilities in how it is exercised.
First, academic freedom is not an absolute right: it must be exercised within the law and balanced with other legal rights such as those that afford protection against hate speech, unlawful discrimination or harassment.
Second, it must adhere to the principles and practices of scientific inquiry, such as intellectual rigour and research ethics. These are determined by the community of persons with appropriate competencies, of which academics are part. (Further information on the academic promotions process is provided below.) For postgraduate research students, this includes the assessment of their thesis by examination.
Third, we encourage all members of our community to engage in discourse in a manner that is consistent with Imperial’s Values and expected behaviours. This complements, for example, the right to express views with the obligation to hear opposing views, and we expect everyone in our community to be respectful of others.
Imperial’s Ordinances (3.5.2, sec 13) note that one of the primary responsibilities of Council is to protect these freedoms, citing the UNESCO 1997 recommendations on the scope of the activities considered under them.
Academic staff are at the same time individual citizens and representatives of the University. The rights of academic freedom pertain to the latter status, but all staff should recognise the special position they hold in the community, both internally to Imperial and in the wider world, including their profession, and the obligations this imposes. When using an Imperial affiliation or association, individuals should be cognisant of how their speech may reflect on the University and to be clear when they are acting in an individual capacity.
Academics are free to collaborate with experts from any organisation on an individual basis and to undertake consultancy; however, formal contractual relationships must comply with our Relationships Policy and procedure. Some contractual partnerships impose restrictions on intellectual property (IP) usage and staff should be informed of these constraints before choosing to work in a particular area. Imperial Consultants offer guidance on IP matters for academics engaged in consultancy.
Support and policy
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Academic Promotions
Academic freedom ensures that staff can query received wisdom, put forward new ideas and controversial opinions without fear of being adversely affected in relation to applications for promotion. Progression at Imperial promotes scientific discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship based on contributions to research, teaching, internal and external citizenship. Criteria for progression reflect the duty of Imperial to ensure academic freedom as reasonably practicable within the law. Promotion protocols include an assessment of the quality of the work including its intellectual rigor and research integrity within the ethical frameworks of which it was conducted, as assessed by experts and peers. For more information on academic promotions, please refer to the HR help page here.
The senior member of staff with leadership oversight for promotions is the Associate Provost (Academic Promotions).
Events
Imperial College London is fundamentally committed to supporting events that uphold free speech and academic freedom, ensuring that students, staff, and visiting speakers can engage in open and meaningful discussions. The University provides a structured framework to facilitate events while maintaining legal compliance, institutional values, and safety considerations.
Imperial encourages open debate and emphasises that events should proceed wherever possible, creating an environment where diverse perspectives can be shared. Lawful free speech is protected within the law, and event approval is not based on the viewpoints expressed. At the same time, the University offers practical support to help organisers navigate event planning, risk assessments, and security measures to ensure discussions can take place safely and effectively.
While academic freedom is a core principle, Imperial also recognises its responsibility to balance this with legal and institutional standards, ensuring that events are conducted in a manner that fosters respectful and lawful discourse. By championing free speech while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment, the University actively supports academic exploration and critical discussions across disciplines. For any questions relating to the Events Procedure, please refer to the Events Procedure Guidance in the first instance.
Academic Freedom and Research
Research Integrity
Imperial College London is committed to fostering a research environment that upholds academic freedom while maintaining the highest standards of research integrity. The University supports rigorous, ethical, and transparent research practices that extend across disciplines to address contemporary and future scientific challenges.
To safeguard research integrity, Imperial adheres to the Council for Science and Technology’s Universal Ethical Code for Scientists, emphasising:
- Rigour, Honesty, and Integrity
- Respect for Life, the Law, and the Public Good
- Responsible Communication: Listening and informing
Imperial promotes a culture of openness, collegiality, and mutual respect, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration while recognising individual academic independence. Staff and students are expected to conduct research with integrity and uphold the University’s reputation.
As a signatory of the UK Concordat to Support Research Integrity, the University publishes an annual report on research integrity, including formal investigations of research misconduct.
The senior member of staff with leadership oversight for research integrity at the University is the Vice-Provost (Research and Enterprise).
The Registrar & University Secretary is the point of contact for whistle-blowers and for any person wishing to raise concerns about the integrity of research conducted at Imperial.
Code of Conduct
Our commitment to academic freedom is supported by our Code of Conduct, which outlines key principles such as integrity, honesty, fairness, and transparency. These guidelines help to ensure that academic activities, including research and external collaborations, are conducted ethically and in alignment with institutional values.
While academic freedom is protected, researchers are expected to navigate legal, financial, and reputational considerations by following the Relationships Policy and relevant review processes when engaging with third parties such as funders. Additionally, research must comply with legal and ethical standards, both in the UK and internationally, ensuring responsible and accountable academic inquiry. The apparatus for assessing trusted research, both as implemented by government regulation and advice (such as e.g. RCAT in DSIT) and Imperial’s own processes (e.g. the Relationships Policy, and the templates developed by the Research Office for new formal research activity) are key in supporting our ability to maintain this autonomy of action.
By upholding these frameworks, Imperial fosters a research environment where academic freedom supports excellence in research and teaching, and is balanced with integrity, accountability, and respect for legal obligations.