Founded in 2024, the Clemens Heller Institute aims to protect scholars threatened in their own countries by offering temporary refuge and protection within renowned universities. It owes its name to Clemens Heller, a researcher fully aware that academic freedom sometimes requires rising above the geopolitical considerations of the moment to preserve the fundamental ideal of freedom of research.

Clemens Heller was a pivotal figure in the post-war intellectual and cultural landscape of Europe. Born in Salzburg, Austria, in 1917, Heller’s academic journey took him through several prestigious institutions. He left Austria in 1938 for the USA, studying in different universities before arriving at Harvard University. His intellectual trajectory was notably influenced by his encounters with prominent scholars of his time, which helped shape his interdisciplinary approach to the humanities and social sciences.

Heller’s most significant contribution came as a co-founder of the Maison des Sciences de l’Homme (MSH) in Paris in 1963, alongside Fernand Braudel. The MSH aimed to foster interdisciplinary research and dialogue among scholars from various fields, promoting innovative methodologies and perspectives in the humanities and social sciences. Heller’s vision for the MSH was rooted in the belief that academic research should transcend national and disciplinary boundaries, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of human societies.

Throughout his career, Heller was instrumental in nurturing the careers of numerous scholars and promoting intellectual exchange. His efforts were characterized by a commitment to academic freedom, intellectual rigor, and the democratization of knowledge. Heller’s legacy is marked by his contributions to the institutionalization of social science research in Europe and his advocacy for interdisciplinary approaches that continue to influence academic practices today.

Heller’s legacy

Clemens Heller’s life and work offer profound inspiration for establishing an institute dedicated to the protection of scholars facing threats in their home countries. Such an institute could draw on several aspects of Heller’s legacy:

• Interdisciplinary and International Collaboration: Heller’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and international collaboration can serve as a guiding principle for the institute. By fostering a network of scholars from diverse fields and regions, the institute can create a supportive environment that transcends geographical and disciplinary boundaries. This approach not only enhances the quality of research but also provides a robust support system for scholars in exile.

• Advocacy for Academic Freedom: Heller’s dedication to academic freedom and intellectual autonomy is particularly relevant in the context of protecting threatened scholars. The institute can champion the rights of researchers to pursue their work without fear of persecution, providing legal and financial support, as well as safe havens for those who are at risk. By upholding these values, the institute can become a beacon of support for academics worldwide.

• Promotion of Knowledge Democratization: Inspired by Heller’s efforts to democratize knowledge, the institute can focus on making academic research accessible to a broader audience. This involves not only supporting scholars in their work but also ensuring that their findings are disseminated widely and freely. The institute could host public lectures, publish open-access journals, and create online platforms for sharing research, thus continuing Heller’s legacy of knowledge democratization.

• Fostering Intellectual Exchange: Heller’s emphasis on intellectual exchange and dialogue can be mirrored in the institute’s activities. Hosting conferences, workshops, and seminars that bring together scholars from different backgrounds and disciplines can facilitate the exchange of ideas and the development of innovative solutions to global challenges. This environment of intellectual vibrancy can also provide a sense of community and belonging for scholars who have been displaced.

I Clemens Heller’s multifaceted legacy provides a rich source of inspiration for an institute dedicated to the protection and support of threatened scholars. By embracing his principles of interdisciplinary collaboration, academic freedom, knowledge democratization, institutional support, and intellectual exchange, the institute can create a robust and nurturing environment for scholars facing adversity, ensuring that their voices continue to contribute to the global academic discourse.