On 8 May 2025, Uppsala University’s main building hosted Folk och Forskning (Science and Society ) – a new initiative from Public & Science Sweden aimed at creating a national arena for evidence-based dialogue. The event gathered around 250 researchers, policymakers, civil society, and industry representatives to explore how scientific knowledge can support democratic decision-making.
The initiative was born out of a need identified through Public & Science Sweden’s annual barometer of public attitudes toward science. While trust in science remains high in Sweden, particularly for university-employed researchers, people believe politicians do not give enough consideration to research. Interestingly, respondents also tended to think that the political parties they themselves support are more evidence-based than others. This finding highlights how science and ideology often blend in the public imagination, a reminder that we all like to believe our views are grounded in evidence.
We wanted to create a space where scientists, politicians, and citizens could meet as equals to explore what research can – and cannot – offer to policymaking
Folk och Forskning was created to provide a meeting ground for open and equal dialogue between research, politics, and civil society. “We wanted to create a space where scientists, politicians, and citizens could meet as equals to explore what research can – and cannot – offer to policymaking,” said Ulrika Björkstén, Secretary-General of Public & Science Sweden. “Through constructive dialogue, we hope to build a shared foundation of knowledge and a better understanding of how different actors approach complex challenges. This kind of conversation is essential for a healthy democracy.”
The day opened with a philosophical reflection by ethicist Olle Torpman on how facts and values interact in decision-making. Tracey Brown, Director of the UK’s Sense About Science, also shared insights from Evidence Week in the British Parliament – a model in which researchers and MPs meet in a kind of speed-dating process, and members of the public have the opportunity to question parliamentarian committees about the evidence informing their decision-making.
The core of the event, however, focused on two pressing policy challenges: sustainable electrification and youth crime prevention. This part of the programme started with parallel sessions on each of the themes consisting of short researcher presentations, designed to give all participants a shared foundation of knowledge on each topic. Following these, attendees split into smaller, curated roundtable discussions where researchers from various disciplines engaged directly with local and national politicians, civil society actors, and industry representatives. These sessions were open to all who registered and fostered vibrant, solution-oriented conversations.
Folk och Forskning 2025. The programme consisted of parallel roundtable discussions and research presentations on the topics of sustainable electrification and youth crime prevention. Photo: Thomas Carlgren.
Feedback on the event was overwhelmingly positive. Participants from across sectors highlighted the rare opportunity for meaningful, cross-sector dialogue, with 80% saying that they had engaged with professionals they don’t usually meet. Many praised the format for fostering deeper conversations and a constructive mix of perspectives. Coverage by Swedish Radio and a follow-up debate on evidence and ideology in Aftonbladet, Sweden’s largest newspaper, reflected growing public interest in how evidence and values interact in policymaking.
Finally an opportunity to have a somewhat deeper dialogue with people you usually do not meet on a topic that you are passionate and knowledgeable about. We need more of these!
The day concluded with a panel of politicians including the Minister of Social Services and representatives from local municipalities, who responded to issues raised through the day’s discussions, reflecting on current challenges and ongoing efforts toward better-informed policymaking.
The event was organised by Public & Science Sweden (Vetenskap & Allmänhet) and held in Uppsala with support from Uppsala University, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), World Class Uppsala, and the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research.
Folk och Forskning is now planned as an annual event. The next Folk och Forskning will be held on 6 May 2026 in Uppsala. While this year’s event was held almost exclusively in Swedish, the addition of a parallel international track for future editions is being explored.
