For an open and democratic society
The wave of protests against right-wing extremism, with demonstrations in many different locations in Germany, has been going on for around a month. This was triggered by disclosures made by the Correctiv research center about a meeting of radical right-wingers in November.
Against this background, the Alliance of Science Organizations has published a statement. We, the German Centers for Health Research, join the Alliance's commitment to an open society and a strong democracy against intolerance and xenophobia.
With around 7,000 members, the DZG is Germany's largest health research network. People with different biographical backgrounds work in the partner institutions of the DZG. This diversity is essential for the success of research and, therefore, for the best treatment of patients. People in our country must not be marginalized and persecuted.
The following is the statement issued by the Alliance of Science Organizations on 2 February 2024:
We must continually develop an open society and a strong democracy in order to rise to future challenges in our country
"As Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany, we emphatically condemn all and any anti-democratic and inhumane endeavours. We vehemently reject the racist statements that have circulated in recent weeks. They are in no way compatible with the values of our organisations. United, we oppose them in the clearest possible terms.
The many protests throughout Germany are an impressive demonstration of the deep solidarity in our society. We regard the clear commitment of the many people who are visibly standing up for the fundamental values of our democracy at this time as an enormously encouraging sign.
This is because an open society and a strong democracy build the foundation for our future. We are now all called upon to work with perseverance and a strong commitment to preserve this foundation. There can be no room for intolerance and xenophobia in Germany. The science organisations in particular must advocate an open, reasoned culture of debate and work to overcome social divisions.
In order to jointly solve the major challenges of our time, we need a broad diversity of talent and ideas. This premise applies unreservedly to the entire scientific spectrum, from fundamental research to the transfer of newly-won insights to business and society: international talent is an essential pillar of our system of innovation. The development of sustainable solutions can only succeed through international exchange and with employees and students who come to us in large numbers from abroad. Anyone who marginalises people, or even wishes to deport them, is therefore not only acting in an appallingly inhumane manner and is oblivious to history, but is also acting to destroy Germany’s future viability.
The Alliance of Science Organisations is an association of the most significant science organisations in Germany. It regularly comments on important issues of science policy. The Max Planck Society is a member of the Alliance and has taken on the role of spokesperson for 2024. Other members are the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the German Academic Exchange Service, the German Research Foundation, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers, the German Rectors’ Conference, the Leibniz Association, the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the German Science and Humanities Council."
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