28 February 2025
When academic freedom is restricted, democracy is also affected. The Young Academy of Sweden supports the statement by All European Academies, ALLEA, regarding threats to academic freedom. The statement expresses serious concern about the political control of research in the USA and its global consequences.
Photo: Kai Pilger/Unsplash
The new administration in the USA has issued executive orders that freeze extensive federal research funding and limit research in areas such as climate change and gender. This policy has prompted ALLEA to respond with this statement. ALLEA calls on its members, partners and like-minded organisations – as well as national governments and international institutions in the USA, Europe and globally – to remain vigilant and to jointly strengthen efforts to protect academic freedom and the independence of research.
The independence of science is a cornerstone of democracy. By signing ALLEA’s statement, Young Academy of Sweden wishes to underscore that academic freedom must be defended – both in Sweden and globally. When research is affected by political interference and control, a united voice is needed to stand up for fundamental democratic values.
Sofia Lodén, Chair of Young Academy of Sweden and Professor of French at Stockholm University
Photo: Johanna Säll
ALLEA (All European Academies) is an European cooperation organisation that brings together around 60 science academies from 40 countries. The Young Academy of Sweden has been a member since 2023 and actively participates in ALLEA’s work to safeguard academic freedom, research collaboration, and the role of science as a global public good.
The statement is continuously signed by academies from all over Europe:
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