Academic freedom in focus at this year’s TUK conference

You have invited Dag Blanck, Professor of North American Studies, as the main speaker. What perspectives do you hope he will be able to provide?

Katarina:
“Right now, a lot is happening in the US that is affecting American universities, but it also raises questions about what applies for us here in Sweden. Our teaching is influenced by the times in which we live, and we are now hearing about American researchers being recruited to Europe, possibly even to our own University and Faculty. After Dag Blanck’s lecture, there will also be opportunities for questions and discussion. It will be part of a parallel session in the form of a round table.”

Are these questions that you have also encountered from students?

Malin:
“It varies, but definitely in an area like sustainable development. Some US universities have had to adapt and back down on questions of climate change, evolution and gender equality. Even if they’re not afraid of things here becoming like in the US, our students think a lot about these questions. We teachers need to be able to respond to the questions they have. So now more than ever, it’s important to have the collegial conversation, and the conversation about academic freedom in relation to the role of teacher.”

There are usually many interactive parts of the TUK conference. What can the participants expect this year?

Katarina:
“As usual, we have a big focus on dialogue and professional learning. There will be round tables where participants can discuss with others and share experiences; that’s usually very popular. It’s also an occasion where questions that are important to the Faculty and the University can crop up. Then there are the parallel sessions, where the participants can move freely between the presentations, which is something we actively encourage.

“The poster exhibition is still part of the conference and deals with educational development, past projects or thoughts and ideas, or maybe letting others know that you are looking for people to work with. For a few years now, we also have a poster session where the poster presenter gets to pitch their poster for 2–3 minutes, after which those interested can talk more next to the poster.”

Is it possible to register without having your own presentation?

Malin:
“Yes, you don’t have to contribute anything at all to
participate. You can simply participate as an audience
member, in which case the deadline for registration is
9 March. But you don’t need to register
specifically for the parallel sessions.”

What else is on the programme?

Katarina:
“Towards the end of the day, we’ll also have a panel discussion about academic freedom that focuses more on our own teaching. In addition to teachers, there will also be a student representative on this panel. And we end as always with a Faculty pub evening! That gives people the opportunity to continue the conversation in an even more relaxed format.”

Anneli Björkman