This newsletter reproduces a discussion between Eskil Bjorklund, former director of The Council for Studies of Higher Education in Sweden and his successor, Thorsten Nybom, concerning the Swedish Research on Higher Education Program. This program was established in 1968 to direct the organization of research on higher education and award research grants. The discussion covers the 1950s, before the program was established, through the 1980s. Initially under discussion are the conditions of research policy preceding the program's establishment, including the development of the relationship between the universities, government and the research community and the development of notions about applied social research. Next Bjorklund reviews the reorganization of Swedish higher education between 1968 and 1977. Within that reorganization the Research on Higher Education Program was established. Bjorklund discusses the tasks the program set for itself, early organizational patterns, and early interests in specific areas of research. Bjorklund then speaks about the program's relationship with the national government and its authority and the eventual emancipation from that authority along with the development of an international orientation. Considered finally are the more recent developments in the 1980s involving an intensified disciplinary orientation, a strengthened research control and a conscious ambition to internationalize. (JB)