Attacks on freedom of science: a fight for democracy!
Attacks on freedom of science: a fight for democracy!
In a current appeal, the University of Greifswald emphasized the freedom of research and teaching as a fundamental principle of democracy. This call is given in view of the ongoing challenges that academic institutions are faced with in the federal political election campaign. In particular, the discretion of certain scientific disciplines is denounced as unconstitutional and anti -democratic. Freedom of science, anchored in Article 5, paragraph 3 of the Basic Law, is considered an indispensable part of the political order in democratic states, and its protection is of the utmost importance.
The university urgently warns of the negative consequences of interventions in academic structures that not only damage scientific institutions, but also undermines democratic values. Constructive criticism and open discourse are essential as essences of scientific progress; Any attempts to discredit researchers or disciplines are decidedly rejected.
academic freedom in focus
A comprehensive study by the German Center for University and Science Research (DZHW) shows that over 9,000 members of the university system, including professors, postdocs and doctoral students, were interviewed. The results reveal that eight out of ten respondents assess the state of academic freedom as rather good or very good. Only three percent rate academic freedom as very bad. These findings illustrate that despite isolated restrictions, the majority of scientists in Germany feel freedom to operate their research unhindered.
Nevertheless, 35 percent of the respondents report restrictions on their freedom of training, which shows that not all areas of academic discourse are unaffected. In the intellectual and social sciences in particular, researchers are more often affected by such restrictions. In addition, around 25 percent of the respondents have learned content criticism in the past two years. These figures make it clear that the freedom of speech is largely secured, but still meets challenges.
The role of political decision -makers
In view of these developments, the University of Greifswald calls on political decision -makers to strengthen trust in science and to a decisive impact on threats against researchers, especially in the gender studies. The independence of science and universities is crucial for the democratic system. Attacks on the freedom of research and teaching also represent attacks on democracy.The extensive consensus that freedom of science acts as a cornerstone for democracy and pluralism is supported by the results of the DZHW study, which are stable and consistent with previous surveys (2019/20 and 2023). Politically colored topics and the need for controversial discussions show that an open climate at universities is still required to enable a real examination of socially relevant questions.
For more information, please use the following links: University of Greifswald , , Research and teaching .
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| Ort | Greifswald, Deutschland |
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