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    The Future of Academic Freedom: Nordic Voices on Freedom of Science

    Hanaholmen, University of Helsinki and the Research Council of Finland welcomes you to a seminar on academic freedom in central Helsinki.

    Date

    12.11.2026

    Time

    11.30 - 14.00

    Location

    Think Corner, University of Helsinki

    Event type

    Free of charge

    Language

    English
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    Academic freedom and the freedom of science are at the heart of a growing global conversation about the conditions needed for independent research, open inquiry and evidence-based knowledge to thrive. Against a backdrop of increasing pressures on academic institutions and researchers, what can we learn from Nordic experiences and what role can the Nordic countries play in shaping the future of academic freedom?

    Bringing together Nordic perspectives from research, science policy and public administration, the event will explore the challenges facing academic freedom today and how we can strengthen the conditions for free and independent science in the years ahead.

    TimeProgramme

    13.30-13.40

    Welcoming Words
    Sari Lindblom, Rector, University of Helsinki

    13.40-14.10

    Keynote: Academic Freedom in the Nordic Countries – Current Trends and Future Prospects
    Peter Maassen, Professor, University of Oslo

    14.10-14.30

    Commentaries on the keynote:

    • Li Bennich-Björkman, Professor, University of Uppsala
    • Jussi Alho, Chief Specialist, Research and Innovation Council Secretariat, Ministry of Education and Culture

    14.30 -14.45

    Break

    14.30 -14.45

    Panel discussion with questions from the audience

    • Veronika Honkasalo, Member of the Parliament of Finland and Chair of Tutkas (the Association for Researchers and Members of Parliament)
    • Agnete Vabø, Professor, Samfunnsvitenskapelige fakultet, OsloMet
    • David Marlevi, Assistant professor & Docent, Karolinska Institute, and Member of The Young Academy of Sweden
    • Jari Kaukua, Academy Professor, University of Jyväskylä and Chair, Scholars at Risk Finland
    • Kirsten Busch Nielsen, Dean, Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen

    Moderator: Journalist Liselott Lindström

    15.45-16.00

    Closing words
    Floora Ruokonen, Executive Director, Research Council of Finland

    No registration is required for this event.

    Warmly welcome!


    Contact details

    Janne Wikström

    Team Manager, Programme Manager | Higher Education and Research

    janne.wikstrom@hanaholmen.fi

    Ina Lindberg

    Specialist | Higher Education and Research

    ina.lindberg@hanaholmen.fi