Tentative program

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Day 1: Wednesday, May 19

  • Opening remarks

  • Technical talks

  • Lunch

  • Poster session

  • Welcome reception

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Day 2: Thursday, May 20

  • Technical talks

  • Lunch

  • Technical talks

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Day 3: Friday, May 21

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Detailed Schedule

Freedom, Courage, and Reform: The Future of the Scientific Enterprise Session

Co-sponsored by USC Open Dialogue Project and Heterodox Academy Chapter at USC

Description: The pursuit of knowledge depends on the freedom to ask difficult questions, challenge prevailing ideas, pursue unpopular hypotheses, and debate evidence openly. Yet academic freedom is increasingly tested by pressures arising both within and outside universities—from institutional orthodoxies and bureaucratic constraints to funding mechanisms, political intervention, and public controversy.

This session will examine academic freedom from three complementary perspectives. The first panel will explore its role in the university’s research and teaching missions, its legitimate boundaries, and contemporary threats to free inquiry. The second will turn from principles to people, asking what courage is required to exercise and defend academic freedom and what can be learned from those who have challenged powerful institutions or prevailing views. The final panel will look forward, developing concrete proposals for reform aimed at strengthening academic freedom, improving the scientific enterprise, and rebuilding public trust in universities and science.