(former Society for the Protection of Science and Learning SPSL). – Linked with Network for Education and Academic Rights NEAR.
The Academic Assistance Council (AAC) was founded in March 1933 by William Beveridge, then Director of the London School of Economics, in response to an article in a Viennese newspaper announcing « that a dozen leading professors were being dismissed from posts in German Universities by the newly established Nazi regime, either on racial or on political grounds » … (about 1/2).
Homepage;
What; Campaigns, Events; UK Univ. Network; Resources; Media; Grants; How to help;
Address: CARA, London South Bank University, Technopark, 90 London Road, SE1 6LN, London, UK;
Contact: Phone: +44 (0)207 021 0880, Fax: +44 (0)207 021 0881, e-mail.
About 2/2: … He returned to the UK to rally support for fellow academics suffering persecution under the rise of Fascism in Europe and, eight weeks later, the AAC was born.
The AAC Founding Statement was signed by 41men and women of distinction from every branch of science and the arts who became its first members and, on 23rd October 1933, Albert Einstein addressed a major fundraising meeting at the Royal Albert Hall.
Consolidated in 1936 as The Society for the Protection of Science and Learning SPSL and renamed The Council for Assisting Refugee Academics in 1998, it aims to help university teachers and investigators of whatever country who, on grounds of religion, political opinion, or race are unable to carry out their work in their own country. Of those supported in the 30s and 40s, 18 became Nobel Laureates, 16 were knighted and 121 were elected as Fellows to The British Academy or The Royal Society.
Through its core Grant & Advice Programme, this charitable organisation has in the past 75 years provided practical support to over 9,000 displaced academics and their dependents, helping to rebuild shattered lives and ensure that their « special knowledge and abilities may continue to be used for the benefit of mankind ». Beveridge’s vision, which underpinned Britain’s contribution to the relief of victims in what is undoubtedly the most tragic episode in the history of science and learning, remains as relevant today as ever..