“We stand in solidarity with all scientists whose freedom to conduct research has been restricted”
Freiburg, 11/04/2025
The University of Freiburg has joined the statement of the German Science and Humanities Council (Wissenschaftsrat, WR) and the German Rectors’ Conference (Hochschulrektorenkonferenz, HRK) and expressed its solidarity with scientists and research institutions in the United States.
“The restriction of academic freedom in the United States is extremely alarming and shows us that this fundamental right cannot be taken for granted. Standing up for academic freedom and defending it against anti-scientific currents is a central concern for us at the University of Freiburg,” says Rector Prof. Dr. Kerstin Krieglstein. She added that solving global challenges requires an internationally cooperating academic system and the expertise of all disciplines, which can work freely and without politically motivated restrictions. “We stand in solidarity with all scientists whose freedom to research has been restricted. Together with our global partners, we will continue to advocate for a dialogue across borders.“
As a sign of its support, the University of Freiburg has endorsed the statement issued by the German Science and Humanities Council (Wissenschaftsrat, WR) and the German Rectors’ Conference (Hochschulrektorenkonferenz, HRK):
Statement by the German Science and Humanities Council (WR) and the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK)
Solidarity with US institutions and scientists
The German Science and Humanities Council (WR) and the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) criticise attacks on academic freedom and declare solidarity with US institutions and scientists.
Academic freedom is at the heart of every liberal democratic society. In the view of WR and HRK, the anti-science policies of the Trump administration pose a serious threat to the American and international scientific community. WR and HRK warn of the serious consequences of the populist and far-reaching attacks on academic freedom and express solidarity with the affected institutions and their employees.
The massive cuts in funding and the dismissal of numerous employees threaten the existence of a large number of academic institutions and disciplines. Health and climate research as well as parts of the humanities and social sciences are currently particularly affected. But every other field of research is also potentially under threat. The fear of negative professional and personal consequences is leading to a climate of intimidation and self-censorship.
Science and humanities are international. For decades, the USA has been an important partner of Germany and numerous other research nations all over the world. Its institutions and infrastructures are essential for global scientific cooperation. An attack on them and the associated loss of trust jeopardise scientific progress and the joint solution of global challenges. An attack on science in one country is always an attack on the global scientific community. We stand firmly alongside our colleagues in the United States.