Swedoc

Sessions at the conference

The Politics That Shape Our Academic Careers
Research policies shape the trajectory of every researcher’s career, often in ways that are invisible until they become roadblocks. But what even is a research policy, and how does it impact your daily reality as an early career researchers? In this lecture, we’ll break down the good, the bad, and the areas in need of reform. How do policies influence funding, job security, and career transitions? What steps can early career researchers take to engage in policy discussions and advocate for improvements. 

Precarious Employment and the Swedish Academic System 
Short-term contracts, unpredictable career paths, and the uncertainty of academic employment—these are realities for many early career researchers in Sweden and beyond. This panel discussion covers academic precarity from different perspectives. How does employment insecurity affect research quality, mental health, and career development? What policy changes are necessary to create a more stable and sustainable system? Listen in to gain insights, share your experiences, and discuss strategies for collective action. 

Career Development in a Precarious System 
What does it mean to plan a career in a system that doesn’t always provide a clear path? Whether you aspire to stay in academia, transition into another part of the labour market, or forge a non-traditional research career, this keynote will provide guidance on how to make informed career decisions in uncertain conditions. Focusing on transferable skills and the evolving job market, the lecture will cover practical strategies for building resilience, identifying opportunities, and crafting a career plan that aligns with your goals. This is not just about navigating the present—it’s about shaping your future.

Career Development and Transitions—Navigating Academia and Beyond
Career paths in research are rarely linear, and transitions can be daunting. This roundtable session is set to discuss the realities of career mobility. What are the biggest challenges in shifting between academia, industry, and other sectors? How can early career researchers leverage their research skills in non-academic settings? 
Participation from the audience with questions or comments is key in this session.

Creating Inclusive and Supportive Work Environments in Academia 
A thriving research environment is built not just on funding and publications but on people. Inclusivity, respect, and psychological safety are essential to fostering innovation and well-being. This lecture delves into what makes an academic workplace truly supportive and how institutions can create fair, equal, and inclusive environments for early career researchers. What structural changes are needed? What role do leadership, mentorship, and policy play in this transformation? Be prepared for a discussion that connects research culture to real-life working conditions.

Work Environment and Equal Treatment 
From mental health struggles to workplace harassment and discrimination, this panel takes an unfiltered look at the everyday challenges researchers face. Why do toxic work environments persist in academia? What mechanisms exist to protect early career researchers, and how can they be improved? Panelists will share insights on institutional responsibility, legal frameworks, and best practices to create fairer and more equitable workspaces. Expect a session packed with real stories, critical perspectives, and tangible solutions. 

Academic Freedom for Early Career Researchers
Academic freedom is often hailed as a pillar of higher education, but how does it actually work for early career researchers? Are there limits to what researchers can say, study, or advocate for? This keynote will examine the realities of academic freedom in Sweden, focusing on how junior researchers can navigate the tension between intellectual independence and institutional expectations. This session provides a space to reflect on what academic freedom means in practice—and what can be done to safeguard it.

Academic Freedom and Advocacy
What happens when research and activism intersect? How can early career researchers advocate for change while maintaining their academic roles? What strategies can junior researchers use to influence policy without jeopardising their careers? How can institutions support researchers who speak out?

More information on sessions, speakers and the schedule of the conference will be presented soon.