Call for papers

Academic freedom is a concept open to different interpretations. In general, it concerns the right of teachers and researchers to express themselves freely without undue political constraints, to choose the topics, approaches and research methods they see fit, and to disseminate knowledge in channels of their choice. While freedom of intellectual expression is a fundamental juridical and ethical principle in the Nordic countries, music education researchers today might also experience delimitations to that freedom.

 Current trends and tendencies include an increased focus on impact and utility value, firmer political and economic steering and highly specified calls for research proposals. Publication procedures and algorithms constructing academic merit similarly govern scholarly expression. Researchers on sensitive topics such as gender and race might refrain from participating in public debate in fear of hateful responses, or even self-censor to avoid negative reactions from within academia itself.

 At the same time, for Nordic researchers in music education, well established political and institutional systems of support, the growth and development of the Nordic research network and global online platforms and opportunities for dissemination contribute to strengthen the conditions of possibility for exercising academic freedom. Indeed, finding ourselves in a privileged position, we might also be obliged to ask what we could do to show solidarity and support in the wider context of scholars at risk globally.

Review criteria

The proposal is research-based and relevant to the Nordic music education research context. Review will be performed by NNRME network members.

Submission formats for the NNRME conference

Discussants will be appointed for admitted paper presentations of PhD projects in progress as well as for senior research papers. Chairs will be appointed for all presentations.