Sweden launches new plan to attract foreign researchers
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'Sweden has fantastic conditions to support researchers outside of Europe who are affected by the ongoing restrictions on academic freedom,' Education Minister Johan Pehrson said, in what appears to be a reference to US President Donald Trump's crackdown on academic freedom in the US.
Pehrson recently hosted a roundtable with the goal of discussing recruitment of students and researchers as well as the possible consequences US policy could have on international collaboration and academic freedom.
Under the Swedish government's new proposal, the Swedish Research Council will be responsible for publicising and communicating information on the support Sweden offers to researchers based outside of Europe, as well as increasing its dialogue with relevant groups and organisations working in this area.
The long-term goal is to make the process of applying for various forms of support in Sweden more predictable, for both researchers and the universities working alongside them.
Sweden has launched a number of initiatives in recent months aimed at foreign researchers.
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At the end of April, the government launched an inquiry into protecting academic freedoms in Sweden, and the Swedish Research Council announced a new grant for researchers based outside of Europe, running from April to December this year.
Politicians and universities have set their sights on US talent, and on May 3rd, Pehrson wrote in a statement to AFP that US-based researchers are 'welcome'.
'We can offer trust and long-term investments. We've got academic freedom. If you are looking for a place to do your work and contribute to solving global challenges, we value your knowledge," he told AFP.
"Our aim is to make it easier for talented individuals to come to Sweden," he added.
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