Academic freedom is one of the cornerstones of democracy

Statement by the Council of the Finnish Union of University Professors, 28 November 2025, Helsinki.

Global changes are narrowing freedom of speech and the basis of democracy, as well as restricting academic freedom. It is worrying that the rise of authoritarian ideals has also led to the prohibition of research and education on certain topics in the West.

In Finland, the freedom of research is restricted by the world’s fiercest competition for research funding and the shrinking of research-based public debate.

Democracy and the self-correcting development of societies require research-based knowledge as a basis for decision-making. Research must not be subordinated to a political tool. In Finland, academic freedom is best safeguarded by increasing long-term, independent research funding for universities and research institutes.

Jukka Pellinen, Council Chair
jukka.o.pellinen(at)jyu.fi

Anne Juppo, Council Vice Chair
anne.juppo(at)helsinki.fi