62 leaders from the Nordic Universities call for a reflection on what implications of the use of the term “European values” and emphasises the need for a shift of discourse from Academic freedom to values; which are global. This and more are included in the Key messages from the Nordic University Days 2022.
Monday to Tuesday 62 Rectors and Vice-Rectors from Universities in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden came together for a High-level Conference to share their visions for the European Knowledge Area. The University of Eastern Finland is represented by Rector Jukka Mönkkönen and Director Jaana Backman.
Visions are structured around six key messages for the EU institutions and the Member States in the future development of research, innovation and higher education policies and programmes. During the two-day conference the university leaders met with and engaged in discussions with Margrethe Vestager Executive, Vice-President of the European Commission, Christel Schaldemose, Member of the European Parliament, Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Signe Rastso, Acting Director-General, European Commission, DG Research & Innovation, Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council, Maria Cristina Russo Director, European Commission DG Research & Innovation, Global Approach & International Partnerships and Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, Head of Unit, European Commission, DG Education, Youth, Sport & Culture. The Nordic Universities presented their visions to the European stakeholders.
“The Nordic University Days 2022 was a terrific opportunity for university leaders from the Nordics to meet and discuss. In this years’ Key Messages from the Nordic University Days, we share our views and Nordic visions for the European Knowledge Area, something which is very important for Nordic Universities relating both to research and education funding and the changing university landscape in Europe. Several leaders from the EU institutions joined us and engaged in our discussions. This has been very beneficial and something we will build on in the Nordic context.”, says Jon Atli Benediktsson, Chair of the Nordic Rectors Association, host of the Nordic University Days 2022
The six key messages, in brief;
1. Academic freedom and values; a priority for Nordic universities
2. Science-based policy making
3. Joint implementation of the European Research Area and European Education Area
4. Research and education based on excellence
5. Universities in a global landscape
6. The future of EU research and innovation programmes: excellence and openness
The full extensive list can be found in the appendix and on the following link: www.larosatensyd.se/en/key-messages-for-the-nordic-university-days-2022/
For any questions or comments, contact
Fridrika Hardardottir, Secretary General to the Icelandic Rectors'Conference
Email: fridrika(at)hi.is Tel: +354 525 4146 | Mobile: +354 864 2036
