Science under pressure: Debate about freedom and study grants flares up

Science under pressure: Debate about freedom and study grants flares up

At its first regular meeting on March 12, 2025, the Scientific Committee approved the continuation of the Central European Exchange Program for University Studies (CEEPUS). The existing CEEPUS program expires on April 30, 2025, so the new CEEPUS IV agreement is scheduled to come into force on 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 successful model that helps to strengthen scientific and economic relationships, especially with countries that are not covered by ERASMUS+. How ots.at reported, around 4.78 million euros will be made available for the program between 2025 and 2029, with 60% of the exchange taking place in the MINT area and the proportion of women being 53%.

Additionally, a publication by gew.de that the pressure on academic freedom is increasing, not least due to right-wing attacks and state intervention. A new study booklet addresses the growing threat from outside, including the increasing economization of the higher education sector. Andreas Keller from the GEW emphasizes that precarious employment relationships and an increasing concentration of power endanger academic freedom. 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 is now also moving closer to the German and Austrian higher education sector, while at the same time the need for restructuring and promoting long-term employment relationships in science is being highlighted.