Nordic Academic Freedom Under Threat – Time for Governments to Act

As the Nordic Council convene in Iceland this October, they must confront a growing and urgent challenge: the preservation of academic freedom. For decades, the Nordic region has been a global example of how to protect academic institutions from political, commercial, and ideological pressures. Our universities have thrived as places of independent thought, where research and education advance without external interference. Academic freedom has contributed to the extraordinary resilience of democracy in the Nordic countries, success in technological and societal innovation, and a high Nordic quality of life. But this legacy is now at risk.

Academic freedom in the Nordic countries is under mounting pressure. Increasing reliance on external funding is compromising the independence of researchers. Political interference is influencing research agendas, while the rise of temporary employment contracts leaves academics vulnerable, discouraging them from pursuing innovative or controversial topics. On top of this, the tradition of democratic decision-making in universities has weakened, with centralized management increasingly calling the shots. Perhaps most concerning of all is the rise in harassment and intimidation against academics, particularly those working in sensitive or controversial fields. This stifling of free expression not only affects individual scholars but also undermines the democratic fabric of our societies.

This situation is not just a Nordic issue—it has global implications. If the region that has long been a world leader in academic freedom starts to falter, what message does that send to other countries? The erosion of academic independence in the Nordics could set a worrying precedent, with ripple effects beyond our borders.

At this critical juncture, the Nordic Academic Trade Unions are united in calling for immediate action. We need commitment from the parliamentarians to defend the core principles of academic freedom and safeguard the independence of our universities. The time for complacency is over—decisive steps must be taken to protect the integrity of our academic institutions and maintain our role as global leaders in research and education.
Our call to the Nordic parliamentarians and government:

1. Guarantee Stable Public Funding for Universities
   
   Public funding must be secure and sufficient to allow researchers the freedom to pursue independent inquiries, without having to cater to the agendas of external funding bodies.
   
2. Strengthen Legal Protection of Academic Freedom
   
   Stronger legal protections are needed to ensure academic staff and universities remain independent, critical voices in society, shielded from external pressure and political agendas
   
3. Ensure Long-Term Employment Security for Academics
   
   The increasing use of short-term contracts is undermining academic freedom. We demand secure, long-term employment for academics, enabling them to take intellectual risks and pursue innovative research without fear of losing their jobs.
   
4. Restore Collegial and Democratic Governance in Universities
   
   The shift toward centralized management has weakened the role of academic staff in shaping university priorities. We call for a return to democratic, collegial governance, where academic staff have a real say in research and teaching decisions.
   
5. Protect Academics from Harassment and Intimidation
   
   Academics must be free to engage in public debates and pursue their research without fear of harassment or retaliation. Universities need stronger protections and support systems to defend academic freedom of expression.

We call on the Nordic Council and governments to act swiftly on these requests, in the interest of safeguarding the very principles of democracy. The Nordic region must continue to be a model of academic independence and integrity. Now is the time to defend the freedoms that have long defined our universities and protected our societies.

Signed,
The Nordic Academic Trade Unions

Academic Freedom in the Nordics: Legislation, Practice, Challenges