In Sweden, newly graduated researchers in the humanities find themselves in a precarious position as the prospects of obtaining stable employment are extremely slim. The article discusses the incessant pressure these researchers face to secure funding, which has become essential for their survival in academia. This scenario forces them to spend an inordinate amount of time on grant applications rather than on their actual research, creating a cycle of stress and competition among them.

The author, Rebecka Katz Thor, sheds light on the dire situation within the humanities sector of academia, reflecting on how the funding system affects not only individual researchers but also the broader cultural and intellectual landscape of Sweden. As term starts and research grant deadlines loom, frustrations mount among scholars who feel that they are wasting invaluable time, ideas, and human resources rather than contributing meaningfully to their fields. This dynamic raises questions about the future of humanities research in Sweden and the potential loss of insights that may arise from such constraints.

Ultimately, this commentary serves as a call to rethink the current approach to funding and support for humanistic studies. By highlighting the severe competition and emotional toll on scholars, Katz Thor advocates for advocating changes that ensure the sustainability and viability of humanities research. Without reform, the article warns, the vitality of intellectual pursuit in the humanities may be stifled, leading to broader cultural implications for Swedish society.