On June 24, 2025, an important discussion about research and teaching will take place in the town hall of the Hanseatic city of Rostock. This event opens the 5th talk season at the University of Rostock and addresses the increasing restrictions on academic freedom, a topic that is becoming increasingly important not only in Germany, but also in democratic countries. This is reported by the University of Rostock, which draws attention to current developments.

The discussion will be led by Dr. Steffi Brüning, head of the Rostock Documentation and Memorial Center, moderated. Speakers include Dr. Volker Höffer from the Stasi Records Archive in Rostock, Johann-Georg Jaeger, a former theology student, and Jun.-Prof. Dr. Dana Sophia Valentiner and Prof. Dr. Nicole Wrage-Mönnig. These important minds will shed intensive light on the challenges and risks of academic freedom.

Current challenges to academic freedom

A central issue is the situation in the USA, where the government is threatening students with expulsion or arrest. At the same time, funding for universities that are considered undesirable is being cut. These developments are also important in Germany, where the University of Rostock is affected by the cancellation of funds. An immediate negative consequence of these financial cuts was the rejection of the founding of the “German-American Institute” in February 2025.

The Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany guarantees the freedom of science in Article 5 Paragraph 3, but this freedom is coming under increasing pressure. The AfD, for example, has announced that it will abolish gender studies and dismiss affected researchers. Historically, experiences from the GDR show that academic freedom is not a given, which Dr. Höffer vividly describes: Adherence to the political line was crucial for scientific careers at that time.

A look into history

The fundamental rights enshrined in Article 5 Paragraph 3 of the Basic Law recognize the freedom of science, research and teaching. These legal frameworks protect science from politicized battles of opinion and ensure that scientific findings are based on rational arguments. These fundamental principles were already laid down in the Paulskirche Constitution of 1848 and later in the Weimar Constitution of 1919.

Academic freedom is not only a national issue, but also has international relevance. In fact, the EU addresses this freedom in its Charter of Fundamental Rights and emphasizes the importance of independent academic freedom. Experts warn that scientific freedom is fragile in an increasingly knowledge-dependent society and emphasize the need to admit uncomfortable truths and stand up to pseudoscientific claims.

The exhibition “Gagged Mind” can also be seen in Rostock until July 9, 2025, which focuses on the topic of political surveillance and persecution. It impressively shows how relevant the discussions about academic freedom are today. The University of Rostock is setting a significant tone with its talk series, with further topics such as the city's thermal transformation and the effects of AI on education to be discussed in upcoming events.

With free entry to this event, interested parties are invited to actively ask questions and take part in the debate about the meaning of academic freedom. These conversations demonstrate the importance of raising awareness of the challenges to academic freedom and promoting an open society.

Overall, the upcoming discussion makes clear that academic freedom is not just a legal concept, but an essential part of our society that requires constant vigilance.

For more information visit the following pages: University of Rostock, bpb.