28 scientific institutions publish declaration underlining importance of academic freedom and cooperation for global health
“Without academic freedom and international cooperation, we cannot overcome global health challenges” is the core message of the publication, endorsed by the University of Coimbra.
The declaration “Academic freedom and meaningful international cooperation are needed to safeguard good health and well‑being globally” was published today in Nature Medicine and endorsed by the 28 universities and scientific organisations that make up the World Health Summit Academic Alliance (WHS Academic Alliance), including the University of Coimbra (UC).
“Without academic freedom and international cooperation, we cannot overcome global health challenges” is the central message of this publication. The guiding principles of this declaration, issued within the framework of the World Health Summit held from 12 to 14 October 2025, are defining, respecting and safeguarding academic freedom; strengthening international collaboration; and combating misinformation while rebuilding trust in science.
UC was involved in the drafting committee of the declaration from the outset, through the participation and contributions of Ambassador Luís de Almeida Sampaio, in his capacity as a member of the WHS Academic Alliance Executive Committee. Both the University of Coimbra and the Coimbra Local Health Unit (ULS Coimbra) are part of the Alliance through the Coimbra Health consortium.
The declaration is available at: www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-04026-6.