Mats Persson

On April 16 Minister for Education Mats Persson signed the Artemis Accords, a set of principles for exploration and conduct in space. During the ceremony NASA Administrator Bill Nelson delivered the following video remarks.

To improve the conditions for cooperation between Swedish and American universities, research institutions and businesses on research, innovation and education, Vinnova and the Swedish Research Council have signed a five-year memorandum of understanding with the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States of America.

Speech by Minister for Education Mats Persson at the signing of the Artemis Accords, 16 April 2024. Check against delivery.

Today, Minister for Education Mats Persson signed the Artemis Accords, a set of principles for exploration and conduct in space. This also enables Sweden to take part in the international US-led Artemis campaign.

An inquiry has been tasked with proposing measures to improve the prospects of attracting and retaining foreign doctoral students and researchers in Sweden. The aim is to strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness as a research and innovation nation. The inquiry will also review the regulatory framework for residence permits for studies, with the aim of counteracting abuse of study permits.

Sweden and the US have entered into a bilateral cooperation agreement on cancer research and care. The agreement builds on the cooperation agreement that the two countries concluded in 2016 with the aim of accelerating research results through increased exchange.

The Government is looking to advance Sweden’s position in the space sector, and overnight Marcus Wandt became the third Swede in space. Following a successful launch from Florida, he began his journey to the International Space Station.

Minister for Education Mats Persson is visiting the United States on 15–20 January to attend the launch of a mission involving Sweden’s latest astronaut, Marcus Wandt. Mr Persson will also visit New York for meetings and study visits with a focus on STEM education and research, technology and AI.

The Government has adopted a new trade strategy, with the objective of giving Swedish businesses the best possible conditions to both address emerging challenges and of harness business opportunities that arise in the green and digital transition.

In light of international developments, the Government will increase its support to the University of Gothenburg which, via the Segerstedt Institute, spreads knowledge of working methods to combat antisemitism. This year, the Government will provide another SEK 1 million, and it intends to provide another SEK 3 million to support these efforts in 2024.

Yesterday evening, the Government received the alarming news that two Swedes were killed in a terrorist attack in Brussels. The attack appears to have been aimed at Sweden and Swedish interests. Our thoughts are with the deceased and their relatives.

On 26–27 September, Minister for Education Mats Persson and Minister for Schools Lotta Edholm will visit London, where they will meet with their British counterparts. The visit is an opportunity for Sweden and the United Kingdom to exchange knowledge about education issues and strengthen relations between the two countries.

Research and innovation promote progress in the energy sector. Minister for Education Mats Persson today signed an implementation agreement for energy research cooperation with the United States. The agreement was signed in the Reactor Hall at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, where research reactor R1 – Sweden’s first nuclear reactor – contributed to research between 1954 and 1970.

On 19–20 June, the Swedish Presidency will host a conference together with the Swedish Research Council and Vinnova on research data, and how research infrastructure provides new possibilities and benefits for society.

During the week of 20–24 March, several meetings focusing on education will be held as part of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU. Skills supply, the green transition and education for Ukrainian pupils are among the agenda items. Minister for Education Mats Persson and Minister for Schools Lotta Edholm will both deliver opening addresses.

At Thursday’s government meeting, the Government tasked the Swedish Migration Agency with making it easier for people with visa exemptions to show their original passport when applying for a temporary residence and work permit.

The Government has instructed the Swedish Higher Education Authority to conduct case studies on academic freedom. The aim is to provide an in-depth understanding of the work of universities and higher education institutions in promoting and protecting academic freedom and a culture that allows the free pursuit and dissemination of knowledge.