Science under pressure: debate about freedom and tuition granted

Science under pressure: debate about freedom and tuition granted

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - The Science Committee supported the continuation of Central European Exchange Programs for University Studies (CEEPUS) in its first regular meeting on March 12, 2025. The existing CEEPUS program expires on April 30, 2025, so that the new Ceepus IV Convention should come into force from May 1, 2025. The aim of the exchange program is to promote academic exchange between Austria and Central, Eastern and Southeast European countries. Federal Minister Eva Maria Holzleitner described the CEEPUS program as a model of success, which contributes to strengthening scientific and economic relationships, especially to countries that are not covered by Erasmus+. As ots.at reported for the program, for example 4.78 million euros provided, with 60 % of the exchange takes place in the MINT area and the proportion of women is 53 %.

In addition, a publication of gew.de not least due to right-wing attacks and state intervention increases. In a new study book, the growing threat from outside, including the increasing economization of the university area, is discussed. Andreas Keller from GEW emphasizes that precarious employment relationships and an increasing concentration of power jeopardize freedom of science. In particular, reference is made to international examples in which the framework conditions for scientific work are severely restricted. This discussion about the freedom of research and teaching also moves closer to the German and Austrian university space, while at the same time the need to restructure and promote long -term employment relationships in science is emphasized.