Working Group  "International"

In a time of international crisis and increasing insecurities, science becomes increasingly under attack. This has become a global phenomenon. Thus, we regard it as short-sighted to address activities towards promotion of scientific freedom and science communication only on the regional or national level. More than 30 WfD members with international perspectives have joined this working group: to develop joint activities on the European and international level; to interconnect with other European and international movements and scientists who share these convinctions; and to exchange experiences and strategies. We are aware that science has not the answer nor the solution to everything, and that the current scientific “state-of-the-art” is not a final answer, but rather “the latest version of imperfection”. But we also share the conviction that non-ideological, objective science is an indispensable corner stone of freedom, fairness, decency and democracy. We want to listen and to understand instead of lecturing. We want to make science more useful for society, and demonstrate its societal impact. We are convinced that understanding and clarity about the content and about the role of science will enhance resilience – for science and for democracy alike.

Rationale:

Mounting threats to the freedom of academia, education, scientific research and data, fundamental pillars of democratic societies, call for a coordinated international response.

  • Attacks on science are often deliberate and politically motivated, not random phenomena.
  • Attacks on science occur across societies and political convictions. They are more frequently found in environments where respect for civil liberties, the rule of law, and the political opponent are lost. And the acknowledgment of the existence of truth itself.
  • All scientist can become targets. However, some are more exposed: this includes social and political scientists, climate scientists, public health experts, and those whose work is perceived as a direct threat to political, economic and cultural movements and other stakeholders.
  • These attacks are mostly ideologically driven and are readily amplified by (social) media platforms leading to systematic discreditation of science, academic institutions and the global scientific community

Objectives of a Coordinated International Response

  • Raise awareness, map, and document the attacks against academic freedom and scientific integrity across countries.
  • Act as a platform for collective response and mutual protection, by:
    • Sharing legal, institutional, and advocacy resources.
    • Developing mechanisms of support for students, researchers, and professors facing censorship, job loss, or legal persecution because of their work.
    • Protect scientific data against arbitrary cancellation of datasets or data sharing platforms.
  • Promote awareness campaigns that expose coordinated misinformation and other ideological false framings of science-related topics
  • Promote policy changes, engaging with Members of the European Parliament. The European Parliament is a preferential target due to its international nature and in consideration of the EU mission to preserve peace and democracy.
  • Horizon Europe Funding: Include the obligation to scientific freedom to rule of law mechanism for all EU funding
  • Use the WfD German activities to develop pro-science social media campaigns on an European level.