About the initiative
An independent research programme on the life of the mind.
The Freedom of Thought Initiative pursues long-term, scholarly research on freedom of thought, knowledge-producing civilizations, higher education, and the philosophy of education.
Who we are
The Freedom of Thought Initiative is an independent international research programme founded and directed by Masud Zakaria and hosted by Global Open Education. The initiative pursues sustained scholarly research on freedom of thought, intellectual freedom, knowledge, education, and civilization.
We work in the tradition of academic research institutes, philosophy centres, and public intellectual platforms: producing books, working papers, and essays; convening seminars, lectures, and conferences; and building an international network of researchers and partner institutions.
The initiative remains academically independent. It is non-political, non-activist, and non-commercial. Its collaborations with universities and institutes are governed by scholarly standards alone.
What we do
- Develop original theories on thinking, knowledge, and civilization.
- Publish books, working papers, journal articles, reports, and essays.
- Run long-term research programmes on freedom of thought and higher education.
- Convene seminars, lectures, and conferences with international scholars.
- Contribute to public intellectual life through essays, interviews, and events.
- Support graduate researchers, visiting scholars, and partner institutions.
Relationship
Founded and directed by Masud Zakaria. Hosted by Global Open Education. The initiative collaborates with universities, researchers, and institutions worldwide.
Academic affiliation
Part of the initiative's work is developed in the context of Masud Zakaria's doctoral (Ed.D.) research at Edgewood University, an academic collaboration supporting scholarship on education, intellectual freedom, and the philosophy of learning.