In view of increasing attacks on the freedom of science and research worldwide and also in Germany, the federal states have started a process to strengthen the resilience of the science system. The kick-off was a discussion event in Mannheim on Friday.

Baden-Württemberg’s Minister of Science Petra Olschowski (Greens) and Brandenburg’s Minister of Science Dr. Manja Schüle (SPD) are leading the process on behalf of the Conference of Science Ministers of the Federal States. The focus is on analysing how resilient the German science system is to disruptions, attacks and political crises aimed at destabilising, instrumentalising or restricting its freedom and diversity.

Academic freedom is considered a cornerstone of democracy. Studies show that scientists are increasingly exposed to hostility, especially from the radical right-wing spectrum. As democratic institutions, scientific institutions are coming under increasing pressure.

Olschowski emphasized that resilience goes beyond institutional precaution and includes institutional strength as well as societal trust in scientific processes, integrity and transparency. Concrete advocacy for the liberal democratic order is necessary in structures, communication and daily action.

Schüle explained that attacks on academic freedom put the axe to liberal democracy. Resilience means organising solidarity in the entire science system, making responsibilities transparent and ensuring that universities and research institutions can work freely, courageously and innovatively even under pressure. The federal, state and institutional governments should not be divided.

The panel in Mannheim included Prof. Dr. Nicole Deitelhoff (Leibniz Institute for Peace and Conflict Research, Goethe University Frankfurt), HRK President Prof. Dr. Walter Rosenthal, Prof. Dr. Sven Reichardt (University of Konstanz), Jun.-Prof. Dr. Amrei Bahr (University of Stuttgart) and Quentin Gärtner (freshman at the University of Heidelberg, former Secretary General of the Federal Student Council).

Deitelhoff called for Article 5 of the Basic Law to be provided with a collective duty of assistance. Rosenthal underlined the inseparable connection between academic freedom, democracy and the rule of law and announced measures to protect against anti-scientific influence as well as more intensive exchange with society.

Reichardt pointed out dangers from above and below and emphasized the necessity of social enlightenment. Bahr criticized the escalating practice of fixed-term contracts and cuts, as well as misguided appeals for neutrality, which cleared the field for enemies of science and democracy. Gärtner pleaded for a positive view of the future and optimism as a component of resilience.

A second event is planned for July 8, 2026 in the Brandenburg state parliament.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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