Successful, knowledge-driven, and socially relevant research depends on academic freedom. Researchers must have the right to freely choose their research questions, methods, and how they wish to communicate their findings – without facing external pressure.
Yet recently, research funding has been withdrawn without notice, collaborations have been cancelled, data access has been restricted, researchers have been unable to attend conferences, and many commonly used terms have been flagged as problematic. When democratic values are under threat, research risks being constrained by external forces and political control.
In Sweden and elsewhere, several academic fields are also struggling to attract students. Without new students progressing to doctoral studies and research careers, these fields risk being hollowed out. How serious are these risks, what consequences might they have, and what can we do to counter this trend?
Welcome to an important conversation about how we can safeguard science in a troubled world.
Event details
Date
6 October 2025
Time
18:00–19:00
Address
Nobel Prize Museum, Stortorget 2
Language
Swedish
Admission
Free admission, pre-registration required
Organisers:
Stockholm School of Economics, Karolinska Institutet, KTH, Stockholm University, and the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet). This event is part of Nobel Calling Stockholm 2025.
Participants
Moderator
Before your visit
Bags and wardrobe
We advise you to not bring larger bags to the museum. In our cloakroom, there are a limited number of small lockers and lockable coat hangers. The cloakroom is unattended.
Photo policy
You are welcome to take photos and film at the museum, but please do not photograph or film the staff. We photograph, film and live-stream some of our events. The material can be used in the Nobel Prize Museum’s communication channels and marketing. If an event is arranged in collaboration with another actor, the material can be used in their communication.
Accessibility
On the museum’s accessibility site ypu can find information about our facilities, and available resources. Click on the link below to read more.
Nobel Calling Stockholm
Join us during 3–13 October for ten inspiring days filled with activities around the city as we celebrate the announcement of this year’s Nobel Prizes.
Enjoy engaging talks, live music, guided tours, competitions, exclusive lab visits, and much more.
Bistro Nobel
Enjoy well-prepared lunches on weekdays, or start your weekend with us on Friday evenings.
For families
Experiment in our workshop room, take a quiz or explore the childrens room.
The shop
Discover a range of literature, gifts and souvenirs connected to the Nobel Prize.
Become a member,
experience more
Get free admission to the museum, and discounts in the shop and bistro. Enjoy priority access and discounts on concerts, previews, talks, and lectures.
Events
Friday nights at the museum
Explore our events, which span from concerts, literary talks, lectures, and performances to food and drink tastings.