Freedom of Research Has Declined in Finland – The Parliamentary Elections Will Shape Its Future

Finland’s position as a leading country in freedom of research and academic freedom has weakened. Researchers face more harassment and online bullying than before, and the political and economic influence over research has strengthened. At the same time, the ecological crisis and other security threats, economic uncertainty and disinformation are increasing the need for independent, evidence-based knowledge. 

In Finland’s Parliamentary Elections in spring 2027, voters will choose decision-makers who determine the conditions under which research and new scientific knowledge will be created. Voters have the right to demand clear answers from candidates: How will they defend the freedom and independence of research and researchers? How will they secure long-term funding for research and strengthen the role of research-based knowledge in decision-making? 

A broad coalition of organizations from across the research and science community will bring these questions into the election debate through the Freedom to Research campaign.  

The campaign highlights the importance of safeguarding freedom of research and ensuring adequate resources for research in an era marked by multiple, overlapping crises. 

The 2027 Parliamentary Elections – A Possibility to Set the Course 

The coming electoral term presents a clear choice: do we strengthen the conditions for free and independent research, or do we allow them to erode further? 

“Academic freedom is not only about the freedom of science. It is about choosing what kind of society we want to be. Free science and free democracy are choices in favour of a better future,” says Jenni Järvelä, CEO of Finnish Education Employers.

Freedom of research is guaranteed by the Constitution of Finland. Research is guided by ethical principles, peer review and good scientific practice. The entire research community, together with every individual researcher, shares responsibility for upholding high standards of research integrity. 

Free and Independent Research Opens New Horizons 

When freedom of research and sufficient resources are guaranteed, significant breakthroughs emerge, from renewable energy solutions to research that transforms mental healthcare. In this way, research renews and strengthens society, the economy, security and people’s everyday lives. 

Research is characterized by openness, critical debate and a self-correcting nature. Knowledge is refined, and accumulates and develops over time, deepening our understanding. Research findings are published and increasingly made openly available so that society can benefit from them as widely as possible. 

“Open science and open access to scientific articles are essential for the dissemination of research, its reliability, and its societal impact,” says Paula Tuovinen, Specialist at Finnish Education Employers.

Freedom to Research campaign is backed by a broad coalition of organizations from across the research community: Maj ja Tor Nesslingin säätiö, Nuorten Tiedeakatemia, Professoriliitto, Sivistysala ry Sivista, Suomalaisen Kirjallisuuden Seura (SKS), Suomen Kulttuurirahasto, Suomen kulttuuri- ja tiedeinstituutit ry, Suomen Tiedeseura, Suomen yliopistojen rehtorineuvosto UNIFI ry, Svenska litteratursällskapet i Finland, Svenska tekniska vetenskapsakademien i Finland, Säätiöt ja rahastot ry, Tieteellisten seurain valtuuskunta ja Tieteentekijät.  

Throughout the autumn and winter, the campaign will be visible in the communications of participating organizations and in their meetings with policymakers. 

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