Free Science strengthens Brandenburg

Science is free—or it is not.

Guided by this principle, leading representatives of Brandenburg’s scientific community have come together to publish a joint statement in support of the freedom and resilience of science. Initiated by the association proWissen Potsdam e.V. as part of an event organized by the Brandenburg Ministry of Science, Research, and Culture (MWFK) on the resilience of science in July 2026, the signatories are committed to free, open, and responsible science.

What is this about?

Science in Brandenburg stands for social responsibility. This includes not only research and the education of students, but also the transfer of knowledge to society, the economy, politics, and culture. The state’s impressive success story over the past decade is unimaginable without the strength of its scientific institutions.

Yet science thrives on transparency and a willingness to accept criticism. It is precisely this way of working that makes it effective—but also vulnerable when political influence, disinformation, economic dependencies, or targeted attacks on individuals and institutions increase.

Joint Statement

Under the title “Free Science Strengthens Brandenburg,” the leaders of Brandenburg’s universities and research institutions have signed a joint statement. They express their solidarity with one another and commit to:

✅ the freedom and independence of science

✅ the social responsibility of research and teaching

✅ transparency, diversity, equal opportunity, and equality

✅ resilience in the face of political, economic, and social pressure

The statement emphasizes: Only when science can operate freely, courageously, openly, and responsibly—even under pressure—can it serve the common good in a long-term and sustainable manner.

During a panel discussion, we will explore the background, goals, and significance of this joint commitment.

Panelists:

•    Prof. Susanne Buiter, GFZ Helmholtz Center for Geosciences

•    Prof. Nina Kolleck, University of Potsdam

•    Prof. Christoph Markschies, BBAW

•    Prof. Christian Stegmann, DESY Zeuthen

•    Jan Prüver, 17-year-old high school student, host of the “Brandwissen” podcast

Moderator: Dr. Simone Leinkauf, proWissen Potsdam e.V.

The full statement and the list of signatories can be found at:

https://www.wis-potsdam.de/ueber-uns/unser-engagement/freie-wissenschaft-staerkt-brandenburg/

A podcast episode on this topic is available in the “Brandwissen” series—featuring Nicole Friedlein (University of Potsdam, Chair of Public Law) and Dr. Volker Rachold (German Arctic Office at the AWI).

Location:
BBAW Berlin (Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften)
Jägerstraße 22/23, 10117 Berlin

In German. Event link to follow.