Mykolas Romeris University to host international conference on academic autonomy

Mykolas Romeris University (MRU), in collaboration with the Magna Charta Observatory (MCO), will host the international MCO annual conference in Vilnius from October 14–16. The event, titled ‘Beyond Resilience: Universities as Active Value-Driven Agents in a Changing World’, marks the first time the conference is being held in Lithuania.

The conference will address critical issues regarding university autonomy and academic freedom in an increasingly regulated global environment. Key discussion topics include political pressure on higher education, the relationship between universities and the state, security challenges, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the role of universities in supporting democracy.

According to MCO signatory surveys, strengthening autonomy and protecting academic freedom are among the most pressing contemporary concerns. The discussions will also touch upon rising populism, social responsibility, and the importance of maintaining spaces for independent thought amidst shifting political and security landscapes.