President Alar Karis: The other side of academic freedom is academic responsibility

Speech by President Alar Karis at the rector’s inauguration ceremony on 25 August.

Dear University of Tartu family, honourable guests, 

Dear rector, 

I know it very well that the weight of the rector's chain of office is much greater than the amount of metal it contains. Invisibly, yet perceptibly, your shoulders feel the university’s almost 400 years of history, the status of the national university, and the sense of responsibility for the future of the Estonian state. 

A university, as we understand it in today's society, has many roles. Doing research – naturally, aiming to be at the top globally. Teaching – or, in other words, providing the people who will shape Estonia's life in the future with the necessary knowledge and values. And finally – ensuring that knowledge is transferred to society to boost the economy and help make better decisions. 

These are the invisible links in the chain of office. It is weighty, yet not burdening, because the six pillars of the University of Tartu are there to support. That is, the entire university family. 

At the same time, it is essential to emphasise the external prerequisites a university needs to fulfil these roles successfully. First of all, the possibility to take care of people – the most valuable asset of a university and a small country. Students, doctoral students, teaching and research staff – they all need the opportunity to focus and an inspiring vision for the future. Otherwise, not only academic continuity but also national continuity would be at stake. Quoting my own words from my inauguration speech 16 years ago – when a project-driven approach becomes a way of thinking and living, it involves an inherent irresponsibility. 

Academic freedom is also an important prerequisite. It is deceptive to think that research yields better or more valuable results the more it is externally controlled or managed, let alone if results or methodology are prescribed. Paradoxically, when a researcher is free to choose which tree to plant and where to plant it, we can pick the best fruit. 

The other side of academic freedom is academic responsibility. The researchers and the university must ensure that the work done is thoroughly correct and ethical. Responsibility, however, also involves understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of society in cooperation between researchers of different fields, as well as together with the public and private sectors. 

Being involved in the public debate is no less important. Because in the ever-lengthening list of complex issues that we must unravel for a liveable future, all urgently need a long-term vision, academic reflection and the ability to ask the right questions. Here, it is irresponsible to remain silent. Otherwise, the noise will take over. 

Only a clear understanding of academic responsibility will ensure society's trust in science, researchers and universities. 

I have highlighted these aspects because I know that the University of Tartu is able to continue as a committed role model in all these areas. I wish the rector and the whole university much strength for that. 

Vivat academia! 

More on this topic:

• Rector of the University of Tartu Toomas Asser took the oath of office
• Rector Toomas Asser: the measure of the national university is that our word carries weight