Alumni in Brussels gathered around discussions on EU research policy and academic freedom
On 2 December, over a hundred alumni from Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stockholm University gathered in Brussels for a joint alumni meeting. The evening featured networking and a panel discussion on EU research policy, democracy and academic freedom.
The evening began with a speech by Sweden's ambassador to Belgium, Johanna Brismar Skoog, who emphasised the importance of alumni for international relations.
“Alumni are ambassadors who form connections and build bridges. It is precisely these kinds of relationships that strengthen our ability to move forward together."
Panel discussion with Yvonne Svanström, Annika Östman Wernerson and Anders Söderholm. Photo: Paul Sweet.
International cooperation was also the focus of the subsequent panel discussion with leading representatives from the three universities. The panel discussed how the current geopolitical situation affects the way the universities work with collaborative partners internationally. The balance between security concerns and the openness that has long been central to academia was a recurring theme in the discussion.
“There is risk in being too cautious and missing important opportunities for collaboration. We need a culture of awareness at the universities, where security concerns are central and worked with in a structural manner. At the same time, we cannot risk to fully close the door”, said Annika Östman Wenneron, President of Karolinska Institutet.
Academic freedom and democracy were another main theme of the discussion. The panel noted that academic freedom is under pressure globally, with negative developments in many countries over the past ten years. In Sweden, the situation is better, but not without challenges. Anders Söderholm, President of KTH Royal Institute of Technology, pointed out that the traditional independence of universities could be vulnerable since Swedish universities are state authorities, and also highlighted the high proportion of competitive research funding as a source of increased steering.
“Over the years, we have seen a tendency of both the government and research funders to be more detailed in their steering of research and other processes in the universities. We naturally safeguard the independence and integrity of universities in dialogue with other stakeholders.”
The discussion also touched on preparations for the EU's next framework programme for research and innovation, which will run from 2028 to 2034.
Annika Östman Wernerson expressed concern that research in health and global health risks falling behind when it is not prioritized in the budget. Yvonne Svanström, Vice-President for Humanities at Stockholm University, emphasised the importance of prioritising social sciences and humanities in the framework programme.
“Stockholm University has continuously raised our concerns about the role of social sciences and humanities in the framework programme, and this is something we will continue doing.”
The subsequent Q&A-session focused on the role of universities in equipping students to deal with an oversaturated flow of information and strengthening their ability to critically evaluate sources.
The evening ended with more mingling, where conversations continued in the light of a Lucia performance, “Luciatåg”, from the Swedish Choir in Brussels.
Alumni gathering. Photo: Paul Sweet
“It was great to see so many alumni in Brussels gathered to meet and reconnect with their universities. We look forward to building on these relationships," said Sanna Sjöblom, Policy Officer at Stockholm Trio's Brussels representation and co-organiser of the event together with alumni coordinators at the respective universities.