Position paper: Alliance of Science Organizations supports the "March for Science"
The Alliance of Science Organizations welcomes and wholly supports the upcoming "March for Science." The project, which was launched in the U.S., will take to the streets in a number of German cities and throughout the world on April 22. The march and demonstration represent a clear, important statement in support of the freedom of the sciences and humanities The event aims to address recent threats to this freedom which have arisen in societies and countries, even within the European Union.
Antidemocratic and anti-scientific actions and trends, whether on the part of politicians or populist movements, threaten the work and values embedded in all scientific activities. They restrict the potential of science and at the same time attack the fundamental principles of a liberal constitution, an open society, and the freedom to choose a lifestyle. Scientists and their organizations must confront this situation, not only in their own interest.
The enormous potential of science in German lies in its globally oriented, pluralistic research system. The German constitution guarantees the freedom of research and teaching and is widely supported in both the social and political spheres. This can be observed through the scientific infrastructures that are in place and the high level of public funding invested in science. Other countries are envious. This special standing of science comes with an obligation to take a stand against any threat to the freedom of science.
The Alliance of Science Organizations is a consortium of the most important players in science in Germany. It regularly takes a stand in important issues of science policy. In 2017 the Helmholtz Association has taken the lead of the consortium.
Further members are the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Fraunhofer Society, the German Rectors’ Conference, the Leibniz Association, the Max Planck Society, the National Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina, and the German Council of Science and Humanities.
Further Information
Image/Logo: Sheraz Khan - March for Science Berlin CC-BY-4.0
