Video of Second REDIRECT Lunchtime Debate Now Available: The Role of Researchers in a Polarized World

🎥 Lunchtime Debate – The Role of Researchers in a Polarized World | Oslo, Norway | September 19, 2025 🇳🇴

The second REDIRECT Lunchtime Debate took place at the ARENA Centre for European Studies, University of Oslo, addressing a crucial question for today’s democracies: What role should researchers play in defending democracy amid growing polarization?

🧭 Discussion Focus:
As democratic norms face increasing strain and authoritarian tendencies gain traction, the debate explored how academics can engage publicly when facts, trust, and expertise are contested. Central themes included:
– The responsibility of researchers to defend democratic values
– The personal and professional risks involved in public engagement
– How research can both reinforce and—if misused—undermine democracy
– Balancing academic neutrality with civic responsibility in times of democratic erosion

🎙️ Speakers:
– John Erik Fossum, ARENA Centre for European Studies
– Anine Kierulf, Department of Public and International Law
– Cathrine Thorleifsson, Department of Social Anthropology
– Carl Henrik Knutsen, Department of Political Science
Moderator: Pernille Rieker, Centre Director, ARENA Centre for European Studies

The discussion, part of the REDIRECT project, underscored the vital role of academic voices in protecting democratic integrity and promoting informed public debate.

▶️ Watch the full recording:
https://www.sv.uio.no/arena/om/aktuelt/aktuelle-saker/2025/forskerrollen-i-en-polarisert-verden.html

📍 Location: ARENA Centre for European Studies, University of Oslo, Norway
📅 Date: September 19, 2025
🤝 Partner: University of Oslo (UiO)

#REDIRECT #AcademicFreedom #DemocraticResilience #PublicScholarship #KnowledgeForDemocra