Throughout history, universities have stood as guardians of knowledge and learning while societies around them have evolved. We are committed to safeguarding the freedom of science and the arts and to ensuring the continuity of high-quality, accessible higher education. Beyond research, teaching and innovation, universities bear a unique responsibility to cultivate citizens who are critically aware, who strive to engage in constructive dialogue, and who uphold and defend democratic values.
Today, the academic institution faces pressures from multiple directions. Authoritarian leaders, weakening democracies and escalating global tensions are challenging the freedom of science, education and critical thinking. These concerns no longer affect individual countries alone but the entire global academic community – including in Europe.
Supporting academic freedom and the independence of science is central to defending democracy. The freedom of educators and researchers to teach, acquire knowledge and pursue scientific inquiry fosters societal stability and strengthens our capacity for civilised debate, even on difficult issues.
At the same time, it is important to ensure that education remains accessible to all, regardless of background. A special emphasis must be placed on reducing the intergenerational transmission of educational advantage and strengthening the opportunities of young people from immigrant backgrounds. Education remains our most powerful instrument for building a fairer and more sustainable future.
In times of global crisis, university communities have a special responsibility to show solidarity with academic colleagues worldwide, whether in universities devastated by war in Ukraine, in the Middle East or elsewhere, or with scholars facing threats to their work and freedom of expression. True to our values, we call for lasting peace, the nurturing of knowledge and learning, and support for scientific communities wherever they struggle to survive.
Laura Heino, Chair, Student Union of Tampere University
Keijo Hämäläinen, President, Tampere University