Education and research

May 19, 2021. Check against delivery.

The 2030 Agenda is a plan of action for universal and sustainable environmental, social and economic development. It is made up of 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 4 emphasises quality education as a prerequisite for sustainable societies and lifestyles.

On 17–19 May, Minister for Higher Education and Research Matilda Ernkrans will lead Sweden’s delegation at the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development.

A Polish court has ordered two Holocaust researchers to apologise for information in a research report published in 2018 on the fate of Jews in German-occupied Poland in 1939–1945.

Minister for Higher Education and Research Matilda Ernkrans is taking part in a high-level meeting today, Wednesday 3 February. Participants have been convened by UNESCO to mark the start of the UN’s Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which starts in 2021.

The Government’s Research and Innovation Bill outlines the direction of Sweden’s research policy over the next four years. The resources will increase considerably already next year to tackle major societal challenges and safeguard freedom of research. The aim is for Sweden to be one of the world’s foremost research and innovation countries and a prominent knowledge nation. The appropriation will increase by SEK 3.4 billion in 2021. The estimated investments in 2022, 2023 and 2024 are around SEK 3.2. billion, SEK 3.3 billion and SEK 3.75 billion respectively. Research and innovation are needed to restart the economy and build skills, competitiveness and welfare.

Minister for Higher Education and Research Matilda Ernkrans is attending a ministerial conference on the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) today, Thursday 19 November. The agenda includes discussions on higher education in Europe and the adoption of the Rome Ministerial Communiqué. Ms Ernkrans will also deliver a speech.

Sweden’s national life sciences strategy was launched in late December 2019 to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Sweden as a life sciences nation.

"Sweden aims to be a leading life sciences nation. Life sciences contribute to improving health and quality of life of the population, ensuring economic prosperity, advancing the country as a leading knowledge nation and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."

Minister for Higher Education and Research Matilda Ernkrans is attending a conference on the future European Research Area (ERA) today, Tuesday 20 October. The agenda includes the ERA, freedom of research and the adoption of the Bonn Declaration. Ms Ernkrans will attend digitally.

Today, Tuesday 13 October, Minister for Higher Education and Research Matilda Ernkrans is participating in a digital event organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Ms Ernkrans will participate in a panel discussion about what universities and other higher education institutions can do to address climate change and promote sustainable development.

In an increasingly uncertain world, the risk of nuclear weapons being used is greater than it has been for a long time, and education, research and information for the public are needed in this area. The Swedish Research Council has now been tasked with collecting expressions of interest and proposing a university or other higher education institution to receive funding for the establishment of a national knowledge centre for nuclear disarmament.

Research and innovation are crucial to Sweden’s competitiveness and to rebooting the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. In the autumn budget, the Government is therefore proposing increased funding to Vinnova, RISE and Business Sweden for measures that help reboot Sweden. The proposal is based on an agreement between the Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.

The University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is being strengthened to meet educational needs and fight unemployment due to the COVID-19 crisis. SLU will receive additional funding that will enable it to offer more places on educational programmes in shortage occupations and for lifelong learning.

At a press briefing on June 11, Minister for Education Anna Ekström explained the Swedish decision to not close down the entire school system.

As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party are today presenting new measures. A boost for care of the elderly is being implemented that means that employees in care of the elderly will be offered paid education and training during working hours. This will lead to more permanent positions.

The Swedish Government has adopted an updated strategy to combat antibiotic resistance. The overarching goal continues to be preserving the possibility of effective treatment of bacterial infections in humans and animals. The strategy will apply until the end of 2023.

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences is increasing the number of student places. One hundred new places are already being created for summer courses this year and the number of places in the foundation year is being increased. The aim is to meet the increased need for education and transition in the labour market as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 virus.

With the outbreak of the coronavirus which causes the illness COVID-19, the Government is following developments carefully and is in continuous contact with the responsible authorities. The Government is taking the decisions that are necessary to help curb the spread of the coronavirus and combat the effects of the virus spreading through society. Below is a summary of the work being done in the policy areas of the Ministry of Education and Research.

The Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party are now presenting further measures to alleviate the impact of the virus outbreak on jobs and the economy in Sweden.