Freedom of science: University of Trier is setting a clear example for the future!

Freedom of science: University of Trier is setting a clear example for the future!

On June 4, 2025, the Senate of the University of Trier passed a remarkable declaration on academic freedom. This declaration highlights the essential role of free research, free teaching and free study as fundamental elements of democratic societies. The University of Trier explicitly positions itself as a place where these principles are lived and promoted.

The declaration emphasizes that scientific freedom drives innovation, promotes social progress and is crucial for addressing complex challenges. International exchange and diversity of perspectives are essential for the development of this freedom and underlying progress in research and teaching. Such diversity not only enriches knowledge and learning experiences, but also strengthens understanding between different cultural groups.

Commitment to academic freedom

The university also emphasizes the importance of freedom, tolerance and reason, which form the basis of every democratic society. In this regard, the Senate expresses solidarity with researchers and students who suffer from restrictions on their freedom and whose academic work is threatened. This commitment to academic freedom is not only a commitment, but also a call to actively support these values.

The issue of academic freedom is also receiving great attention at the national level. The Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, met with the Alliance of Science Organizations on February 25 and March 26, 2025. This alliance represents important scientific and research organizations in Germany and is committed to strengthening academic freedom.

Özdemir emphasizes that academic freedom and international exchange are of central importance for social and economic progress. He warns that restrictions on academic freedom can also be viewed as restrictions on democracy. Germany offers scientists who have to work under restrictive conditions in their home country a perspective in the German science system. It aims to strengthen Germany as a research location and the European research area.

International cooperation and challenges

In this context, Prof. Otmar D. Wiestler, President of the Helmholtz Association, calls for strengthening international cooperation. These are not only important for the development of new technologies, but also imperative to address global challenges such as climate change and biomedical problems. Exchange in science is crucial to finding innovative solutions to these extensive challenges.

The University of Trier and the Alliance of Science Organizations are pursuing a clear course with their statements and initiatives: people who want to research and teach in freedom should be able to do so without restrictions. This effort is shared by the entire academic community and is increasingly important in the current global situation.

Further information on the topics of academic freedom and the corresponding declarations can be found on the website University of Trier, BMBF and Max Planck Society.