Freedom of science in danger? Majority of the Germans skeptical!

Freedom of science in danger? Majority of the Germans skeptical!

A frightening picture is emerging: The majority of Germans believe that science is no longer independent! A current survey in the science barometer 2024 shows that many people are convinced that researchers are influenced by powerful donors. In July, the Verian Institute interviewed around 1,000 German -speaking persons aged 14 and over and found that 61 percent of the respondents believe that economic donors dictate what results may be published. Even 55 percent believe that politics has a similar influence!

The alarming numbers do not stop here: 69 percent of those surveyed think it is likely that scientists will be attacked for their research - especially on social media. "The influence of business and politics on science is seen by many as a decisive factor that endangers the freedom of research and communication of research results in Germany," explains Benedikt Fecher, Managing Director of Science in Dialogue. Transparent science communication is urgently required to regain the trust of the population!

media and universities in sight

Not only the donors are criticized! According to the survey, the media and universities are also targeted: 60 percent of those surveyed believe that journalists distort research results. In addition, 40 percent believe that universities prescribe what scientists can communicate. Terrifying 62 percent of people are convinced that researchers are not trustworthy due to their dependence on donors - an increase of 8 percent compared to the previous year!

The support for freedom of science is also alarming: only 45 percent believe that in Germany it is good for freedom of science, while 39 percent consider this freedom to part. The science barometer is funded by well-known institutions such as the Carl Zeiss Foundation and the Fraunhofer Society. A clear sign that it is time to take the concerns of the population seriously!

dpa/gra