Under Trump, the pressure against academic freedom has increased dramatically. Some of the consequences: institutions' adaptation and resistance to economic pressure; self-censorship by university employees; restrictions on research topics; dismissals.
The new policy may appear to be a reaction to previous demands that universities have made on employees' attitudes. But first and foremost, it seems to be the result of a new authoritarian government practice.
How will this development affect European and Norwegian academic reality? Traditionally, there has been extensive academic cooperation between Europe and the USA. How is such cooperation affected? Will the signals from the United States impact the climate for academic freedom of expression in Europe and Norway? How should Norwegian academic institutions, researchers and teachers deal with a partly new reality for academia?
These questions will be answered when the Norwegian Association of Researchers and OsloMet invite you to a seminar on academic freedom. We have invited a team of presenters and panelists who all have a relevant vantage point on these questions.They will shed light on and discuss possible influence from the United States and how we can and should relate to the development.
Along with freedom of expression, academic freedom is a core value in liberal democracies. When it is put under pressure, we see it as important to contribute to opening a space for debate and an increased understanding of the topic.
Program
- 14.30: Mingling in Kafe Oslo, Litteraturhuset
- 15:00: Opening of the seminar by Professor Hilde Gunn Slottemo, Nord University, deputy chair of the Norwegian Association of Researchers
- 1515: Introductions by
- Nina Burleigh, New York, investigative journalist, academic (Columbia University, Agder University), best-selling author, contributor to Newsweek, Time Magazine, New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Huffington Post, etc.
- Curt Rice, Managing director Fulbright Norway, former rector of Oslo Metropolitan University and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences
- Tove Bjørgaas, Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, US correspondent 2006–2010, 2014–2018, 2021–2025.
- Peter Maassen, professor, University of Oslo, head of international project on academic freedom in Europe
- Christen Krogh, rector of Oslo Metropolitan University
- 1630: Panel debate with the presenters, led by Kristin Nordby, Brussels correspondent in Norway’s leading university newspaper Khrono.
