WHY MASS?

Academic institutions in Serbia are increasingly exposed to external pressures and internal problems that threaten to threaten the scientific and artistic work and freedom of expression of their members. Political pressures and blackmail have reduced the capacity of the academic community to react in a coordinated manner in a series of cases in which not only the autonomy of academic institutions is called into question, but the basic freedoms of academic representatives who express a critical position are threatened. The autonomy of institutions is threatened by frequent and non-transparent changes in relevant laws and interference in personnel policy. Academic integrity as one of the basic principles of the academic community and its reputation have been called into question by a series of plagiarized works and suspiciously obtained diplomas of civil servants. The freedom of public expression of opinion is increasingly under attack by holders of high state positions, with the aim of belittling, silencing, and even intimidating members of the academic community. The policy implemented towards academic institutions threatens their independence and in the long run collapses the academic community as a whole.

In the absence of institutional guarantees and a stimulating political environment, it is important for the academic community to build the capacity for coordinated action in order to protect the values of academic (scientific and artistic) work, and preserve and confirm its autonomy. Joint action is necessary to restore the credibility of academic work and for academic representatives to be personally able to fight for a better society with their expertise. Interconnection and establishment of mechanisms of academic solidarity is a means that will enable joint proactive action to achieve these goals.

MISSION

The network of academic solidarity and engagement is being formed with the aim of bringing together under the auspices of an open network organization all members of the academic community who are ready to engage in strengthening the voice of the profession by advocating for the consistent application of the basic principles of academic work and their defense when threatened.

In its action, MASA will act in two directions: internally and externally. MASA will provide support to members of the academic community (individuals or institutions) who are at risk due to their scientific and artistic work, i.e. public engagement. In addition, MASA will try to further motivate the academic community to deal with negative phenomena within its decision-making domain (plagiarism, mobbing, etc.). MASA will actively act externally, primarily towards the Government and relevant ministries, when it is necessary to point out negative processes or advocate the participation of the academic community in the formulation of public policies.