Swedoc

Sessions and schedule at the conference
The schedule may be subject to minor changes leading up to the conference.

 2nd of April
10.30 - Welcome and opening remarks

11.00 - 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 researcher? 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.

Speaker:
Sandra Hellstrand, The Union of Civil Servants within the University Sector (Fackförbundet ST), postdoc in Economic History at Uppsala university.

12.00 - Lunch

13.15 - 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.

Panel participants:
Anna S. Tanimoto, who recently defended her thesis in Psychology at Stockholm University.
Kjell Nilsson, The Union of Civil Servants within the University Sector (Fackförbundet ST), associate professor in Sociology at Lund University
Laura Palma Medina, Swedish Network of Postdoc Associations (SNPA), assistant professor at the Department of Medicine at Karolinska institutet.

14.15 - Break

14.45 - 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.

Speaker:
Kristina Areskoug Josefsson, professor in Work-integrated Learning at University West

15.30 - 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.

Roundtable participants:
Leelou Lewis, student ombudsman at The Union of Civil Servants
Vladimir Pabón-Martínez, coordinator at the External Engagement Office (EEO) at Karolinska institutet.
Meryem Saadi, Doctoral Student Committee of Swedish National Union of Students (SFS-DK), doctoral student in Art History at Uppsala University
Pernilla Jonsson, Head of International Studies, at the Swedish National Agency for Education (Skolverket)

16.15 - Wrap up of Day 1

16.30 - End of Conference Proceedings of Day 1

18.30 - Conference Dinner

3rd of April
9.00 - Opening of Day 2

9.30 - 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.

Speakers:
Rebecca Selberg, associate professor in Gender studies at Lund University
Shirin Ahlbäck Öberg, professor of Political Science at Uppsala University

10.30 - Break

11.00 - 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?

Roundtable participants:
Kerstin Sahlin, senior professor of Public management in the Department of Business Studies at Uppsala University
Sandra Hellstrand, the Union of Civil Servants within the University Sector (Fackförbundet ST), postdoc in Economic History at Uppsala university.
Topias Tolonen-Weckström, Doctoral Student Committee of Swedish National Union of Students (SFS-DK), doctoral student in Mathematics at Uppsala University

12.00 - Lunch

13.15 - 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.

Speakers:
Andressa Mazur, doctoral student in Chemical Engineering at KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Helene Johansson, associate professor at Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University

14.15 - Break

14.30 - 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.

Panel participants:
Åsa Cajander, professor of Human-Computer Interaction at Uppsala University and advisor to the vice-chancellor on equal treatment
Laura Cox, Doctoral Student Committee of Swedish National Union of Students (SFS-DK), doctoral candidate mentor and doctoral student in Psychology at Lund University
Maja Lundqvist, analyst at the Swedish Secretariat for Gender Research at University of Gothenburg
Eva-Lisa Palmtag, The Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ)

15.15 - Closing remarks
15.30 - End of conference