University of Gothenburg in a troubled world
Around the world, there are ongoing unrest and conflicts. This raises questions about how the university conducts international collaborations and takes a stand on various issues.
The University's role
The University of Gothenburg is a public authority under the government. As a higher education institution, our mission is to provide education and conduct research. We neither have the mandate nor the responsibility to express foreign policy opinions or to advocate foreign policy issues.
The university and academia should be free from external pressures. Academic freedom primarily means that research and education should be independent. We should be able to research, publish, and teach even on topics that are perceived as controversial. This means that neither students, staff, nor society at large can demand that the university, as a public authority, takes a stand on specific issues.
Not taking a stand does not mean that the university is silent. Our researchers regularly participate in the media and contribute with their knowledge and analyses on various situations in Sweden and around the world. The university should act as a role model in discussing difficult issues from multiple perspectives in a respectful manner.
Collaborations with the world
National and international collaborations are fundamental to the university. These collaborations should be chosen and conducted responsibly, with care and judgment based on the needs of research and education.
The University of Gothenburg is part of the international scientific community and shares the fundamental values formulated in the Magna Charta Universitatum. We have a responsibility to interact with the world and to address global challenges. This also includes collaborating with higher education institutions and individuals in countries whose governance, laws, and values significantly differ from ours.
Employees at the university have the freedom to decide, in accordance with current laws and regulations, how and with whom they collaborate. The university provides support and guidance to employees in developing responsible international collaborations.
The Swedish government has the authority to urge the university to terminate institutional collaborations with a country or region. This does not affect individual contacts between researchers. In practice, it is very rare for the Swedish government to issue such a directive.
Advocacy activities
According to the policy for the use of the University of Gothenburg’s premises for advocacy activities (pdf) (only in Swedish), organizations do not have the right to rent or otherwise use the university's premises for advocacy activities.
In our premises, there is space to express opinions in various ways. This is permissible as long as the messages do not contradict the university's principles, disrupt core activities, or negatively impact the work or study environment.
Support for students and staff
Conflicts and unrest in the world around us can impact the health of students and staff. We always strive to maintain a safe and secure work and study environment. For students and staff who feel anxious, support is available.
Support specifically for at-risk researchers
Scholars at Risk (SAR) works to promote academic freedom worldwide, including by providing protection for researchers who cannot work in their home countries. The network comprises over 600 universities in more than 40 countries.
The University of Gothenburg coordinates SAR-Sweden, which consists of around thirty members, including Swedish universities, science academies, research institutes, and trade unions.