SAR Turku: Courage to Act. Dialogue on Iran
On 25 May, 14:00–15:30, the Scholars at Risk (SAR) Network, together with the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, will host a public dialogue titled Courage to Act Turku: Dialogue on Iran. The event will take place in Arken Building, Åbo Akademi.
Amid renewed U.S. and Israeli escalation involving Iran, this event creates an open, informal space to center perspectives often missing from mainstream debates, those of Iranian scholars, activists, and communities. Focusing on lived experiences rather than policy narratives, the discussion explores how war and repression shape everyday life, academic work, activism, and a sense of safety both inside Iran and in the diaspora.
Bringing together Iranian activist-researchers, the dialogue will address questions of academic freedom, gendered experiences of vulnerability and resistance, and the broader consequences of escalating tensions in Iran and the region. By foregrounding human-centered perspectives, the event highlights scholarship and activism as acts of courage, responsibility, and solidarity in times of crisis.
N.B. This is an in‑person discussion, conducted under Chatham House Rules.
Prior registration is required, and safe space principles will be observed.
Please sign up by 22 May by emailing zoe.z.allen-mercier@utu.fi
Speakers
• Dr Raha Sabet Sarvestany, Åbo Akademi
• Dr Zahra Jahanshah Rad, University of Turku
Moderator
• Dr Leena Vastapuu, Tampere Peace Research Institute