Dr Haci Cevik has been awarded the Voltaire Prize of the University of Potsdam for his commitment to academic freedom, social dialogue and freedom of expression. The political scientist, currently an Einstein Fellow at the Berlin Institute for Empirical Integration and Migration Research (BIM) at Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin, conducts research on ethnic politics, migration, identity and belonging, making marginalised perspectives visible, in particular Kurdish and Syrian communities. His work challenges dominant narratives and has made him a formative voice in debates on nationalism, ethno-politics and forced migration. He is particularly recognised for his courage in publicly representing these issues in a politically repressive context such as Turkey. Cevik's work combines academic excellence with social responsibility and strengthens democratic values, said Prof Dr Aileen Edele, Director of the BIM, in her laudatory speech.
With the Voltaire Prize for Tolerance, International Understanding and Respect for Difference, the University of Potsdam is honouring for the tenth time a personality from the world of science who is particularly committed to social dialogue, freedom of research and teaching and the right to freedom of expression. The prize, funded by the Friede Springer Foundation and endowed with 5,000 euros, was presented at the festive New Year's reception of the University of Potsdam on the Griebnitzsee campus.