Sweden: a report on academic freedom's challenges blaming funding and political influence

50% of teachers, researchers and doctoral students feel that academic freedom at Swedish universities is challenged, according to a report requested by the Swedish government on academic freedom in higher education institutions, published on 15/05/2024 by the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ).

The academic staff members mostly attribute these challenges to political influence and various aspects of research funding.

Among those who think academic freedom is challenged, "significantly fewer feel that their own is challenged".

"But three quarters of the respondents who experienced challenges in their academic freedom believe that this led to some form of change in their behaviour."

The study also shows that few seek help from the university when their academic freedom is challenged. "Of those who have actually sought support from the university, only barely a fifth feel that they received sufficient support."

"The results show that it is difficult to promote and protect academic freedom", says Caroline Tovatt, project manager for the report. "Everyone has a shared responsibility…