The University in a turbulent world
Wars, conflicts and other serious crises in the world can affect ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ's operations, staff and students in various ways. This page briefly outlines the University's approach and actions from different perspectives.
This page is updated with the latest information during major incidents or events.
As a Swedish public authority, ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ follows the laws and regulations that apply to all government agencies. This includes upholding democracy, the rule of law, objectivity, free formation of opinion, respect, and efficacy and service.
ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ is part of a worldwide academic community and stands behind the basic core values on which European universities agreed in the 'Magna Charta Universitatum'. This document establishes the importance of autonomy and academic freedom. Universities are to be free of pressures from wider society and to defend the freedom, integrity and quality of education and research.
When the University issues a statement about a major incident or event, it reflects our core mission: to educate, carry out research, and engage with wider society.
ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ is not an agency with a specific responsibility for civil preparedness. In the event of a heightened national state of alert, the University will continue normal operations as far as possible. This will be done with consideration for the situation and staff availability.
ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ staff are required to report to their workplaces both during peacetime and in the event of a heightened state of alert. If war or armed conflict occurs in Sweden or nearby, the Swedish Government may declare an increased or highest state of alert.
ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ is firmly committed to academic freedom. This includes the right of researchers to:
- freely choose their research topics and methods,
- publish their results without pressure or reprisals,
- decide independently how and with whom they collaborate – including in regions affected by conflict, and
- participate openly in public debate and discuss research, both their own and in a broader context.
The University values open, critical discussion on complex issues and actively encourages researchers to take part in public discourse.
Guidance is also available on the ethical aspects of researchers’ interactions with the media.
Students and staff at ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ have the right to express their views freely. The University fully supports freedom of opinion and expression, which is also protected by the Swedish Constitution.
Staff have a responsibility to remain factual and impartial in their professional roles as government employees. They are expected to uphold the basic values of central government authorities:
- democracy,
- rule of law,
- objectivity,
- free formation of opinion,
- respect, and
- efficacy and service.
ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ is a public authority and work on behalf of the Swedish Government. Therefore, the University also follows the Swedish government's decisions on foreign policy. This means the University does not take a stance on conflicts that fall under foreign policy.
Global engagement is both a natural and necessary part of ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ to continue developing as an internationally leading university. This includes, among other things:
- promoting academic freedom and contributing to global development,
- respecting human rights, and
- considering risks and ethical issues in international collaborations, especially in regions affected by conflict or instability.
Geopolitical changes affect our organisation, and when international collaborations are to be developed or deepened, responsible global engagement becomes more significant.
In times of crisis, war, or other major incidents and events, ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ offers support to students, staff, and others who are affected. This may include practical assistance, advice, or information.
ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ is a member of the international network Scholars at Risk, aiming to promote academic freedom around the world.
The network provides protection and support for researchers who are threatened, discriminated or who cannot work safely in their home countries.
The research at ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ increases our understanding of the world and addresses global challenges in areas such as:
- democracy,
- digitalisation,
- sustainability, and
- health.