Why is academic freedom a pressing issue?
Finland's position in international comparisons of academic freedom has declined. Researchers face harassment and pressure, while political and economic pressures also threaten the independence of research. At the same time, independent research-based knowledge is needed to address challenges such as the environmental crisis, security threats and economic difficulties.
The Vapaa tiede ratkaisee campaign, launching in autumn 2026, raises three key questions ahead of the parliamentary elections: How will academic freedom and researchers' independence be protected? How will long-term research funding be secured? And how will the role of research-based knowledge in decision-making be strengthened?
– It is important to ensure that the voice of the research community is heard in the election debate and to highlight the importance of academic freedom for society. We want to increase decision-makers' understanding of how independent research strengthens democracy and education, says Lea Ryynänen-Karjalainen, Executive Director of TSV.
Academic freedom benefits society as a whole
Academic freedom is protected by the Finnish Constitution. Research is also guided by ethical principles, peer review and responsible conduct of research. Science is characterised by openness, critical debate and a self-correcting process. Research-based knowledge becomes more accurate and develops as findings are evaluated, published and made available for scrutiny by other researchers.
– At the heart of research is the freedom of researchers to choose what they study, how they conduct their research and how they communicate their findings. This freedom also extends to teaching, including pedagogical approaches, content and priorities. With this freedom comes great responsibility. It is concerning that an increasing number of researchers face pressure, threats and targeted harassment in their work. Academic freedom is not a privilege of the research community but a safeguard for society as a whole. Only independent research can generate new knowledge, expose problems, help us succeed and make better decisions, emphasises Antti Pajala, Chair of the Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers.
TSV participates in the joint campaign
The Vapaa tiede ratkaisee campaign will be visible in participating organisations' communications and meetings with decision-makers throughout autumn 2026 and winter 2027. TSV will highlight perspectives on academic freedom from its staff, elected representatives and member societies.
The campaign brings together a wide range of organisations from the research community, including representatives of universities, researchers, learned societies and research funders.