In 2026, SAR Sweden celebrates 10 years as a national section within the global Scholars at Risk network – which in turn has worked for 25 years to safeguard and protect academic freedom worldwide. At a time when academic freedom is under increasing pressure, this work is more important than ever.
Through the network, scholars who are threatened or risk retaliations can be offered academic refuge at a higher education institution outside their home country. Within SAR Sweden, around thirty Swedish universities, university colleges, and associated members contribute to this vital work of providing refuge.
Welcome to the celebration of a decade of safeguarding academic freedom as a shared responsibility and collective action. Together with long-standing and new members, friends, and partners from Sweden and abroad, we will reflect on today’s global context in which this work takes place, to recognise the collective efforts behind it, and to reaffirm our shared commitment to protect academic freedom and the wider ecosystem of expression. Through collaboration, solidarity, and continued engagement, we are stronger together!
The event is hosted by SAR Sweden and the University of Gothenburg, who warmly welcome you. In collaboration with Jonsered Seminars and the University of Gothenburg’s work on freedom of expression as part of Gothenburg UNESCO City of Literature.
PROGRAMME
13.00 Welcome by Vice-Chancellor Malin Broberg, University of Gothenburg
13.10 Scholars at Risk; protecting scholars and the freedom to think, question, and share ideas.
Keynote speaker: Frank Geary, Director, SAR-Europe.
13.25 Academic Freedom at a Crossroads: Global Pressures, Evidence and Paths Forward
Academic freedom is under increasing strain globally, shaped by political interference, institutional constraints, and growing risks for scholars. How do these pressures unfold across political systems, academic institutions, and individual career trajectories? What structural forces drive both decline and resilience, and what risks and opportunities exist for coordinated action? What roles do universities, civil society, and international cooperation play in safeguarding academic freedom and supporting scholars at risk?Short presentations and panel discussion.
Steven Wilson, Director of the Varieties of Democracy Institute, Assistant Professor in Politics, Brandeis University, US
Lauren Berntsen Protection Lead at Student and Academic's International Assistance Fund (SAIH), NO
Sanna Wolk, President, Swedish Association of University Teachers and Researchers (SULF)
Ali Amiri Mohammad, PhD student at Linköping University
Moderator: Karolina Catoni, Coordinator SAR-Sweden, University of Gothenburg.
14.15 Break
14.35 Music performance by Ola Husamou, poet, singer and former artist at risk, and Hannah Shermis, musician.
14.50 Resilience Through Inclusion: How Universities Safeguard Academic Freedom and Support Displaced Scholars
Swedish higher education institutions have, over time, hosted more than fifty scholars at risk, offering protection and actively upholding academic freedom. Beyond hosting, universities contribute to the defense of academic freedom in a range of ways. What does meaningful inclusion look like in practice, and how can the presence of displaced scholars enrich academic life and strengthen research environments? How can student inclusion, advocacy initiatives, and awareness-raising efforts strengthen institutional commitment and collective action? Short presentations and panel discussion.
Anders Fällström, Vice-Chancellor, Mid Sweden University
Helena Lindholm, Professor, University of Gothenburg
Eleonor Kristoffersson, Professor, Örebro University
Yurii Orzikh, senior lecturer, Örebro University
Moderator: Claudia Tazreiter, Professor, Linköping University
15.35 Who Gets to Speak? Academic Freedom and the Wider Ecosystem of Expression
In a time of heightened polarization, universities and cultural institutions face growing pressures around autonomy, responsibility, and public trust. How do academic, artistic, and expressive freedoms intersect – and at times challenge – each other? What challenges arise from public controversy, institutional risk management, and shifting democratic expectations? How can cross-sector collaboration strengthen the conditions for open inquiry and creative autonomy?
Short presentations and discussion.
Frank Geary, Director, SAR-Europe
Eva Lundgren, Program Coordinator at the Swedish National Commission for UNESCO
Fredrik Fällman, Associate Professor, University of Gothenburg, board member of PEN Sweden
Helge Lunde, Executive Director, International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN)
Moderator: Lena Ulrika Rudeke, Programme Manager, Jonsered Manor at the University of Gothenburg, Coordinator at Gothenburg Unesco City of Literature.
16.15 Concluding Reflections: Academic Freedom Ahead
Malin Broberg, Vice-Chancellor, University of Gothenburg, Martin Bergö, Vice President, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolina Catoni, Coordinator SAR-Sweden, University of Gothenburg.
16.45 Refreshments
---
ÖNSKAR DU DELTA? VET NÅGON SOM VILL DELTA?
Är du som aktör inom samverkande organisationer intresserad och önskar att, i mån av plats, delta i seminariet? Har du en kollega eller samarbetspartner som skulle vilja delta?
Maila ditt eller dennes intresse till jonseredsherrgard@gu.se tillsammans med namn, organisation och roll inom denna.
