"Working towards a strong, innovative and viable research landscape
Germany’s research is among the best in the world. It owes its success to a highly diverse higher education and research system, constitutionally guaranteed autonomy, and reliable funding from the German federal and state governments. In order to continue to achieve excellence in times of geopolitical tensions, global competition for talent, and rapid technological developments, it is all the more important to maintain an environment that fosters research and innovation and provides clear political support. The Alliance of Science Organizations in Germany therefore calls for:
1. Stable funding for research and teaching
This requires a sustained increase in spending on research and development to at least 3.5% of gross domestic product, the continuation and strengthening of the Zukunftsvertrag Studium und Lehre stärken (Future Pact to Strengthen Higher Education and Teaching), secure funding for the Excellence Strategy, and a reliable increase in financing via the Pakt für Forschung und Innovation (Pact for Research and Innovation). This includes stabilizing and increasing the program allowance provided by the German Research Foundation (DFG) to at least 30% through additional funding. There is also a need for reliable funding for academic intermediary organizations similar to the Pakt für Forschung und Innovation. What’s more, the German federal government must advocate strong European research funding and a substantial, independent EU budget for research and development.
2. Cutting red tape and strengthening autonomy
Higher education and research institutions need a more flexible legal and financial framework. There is an urgent need for consistent implementation of the German Academic Freedom Act (Wissenschaftsfreiheitsgesetz, WissFG), a revision of the German Value-Added Tax Act (Umsatzsteuergesetz, UStG) to make it more conducive to research, and the reduction of bureaucratic hurdles and reporting obligations. The Alliance has put forward concrete proposals aimed at cutting red tape and speeding up procedures, which now need to be implemented without delay.
3. Promoting the diversity of the German research landscape
The diversity of the German research landscape with its various types of universities and non-university research institutions must be preserved and should not be restricted through requirements that lead to the convergence of their research activities.
4. Targeted reinforcement of infrastructures for research and teaching
Germany needs excellent and competitive research and teaching infrastructures that meet international standards. This requires sustainable investment in technology, equipment and facilities for research and teaching; in particular, there is an urgent need for large-scale investment in the renovation of research buildings in order to support the organizations on their path to net greenhouse gas neutrality and to preserve the attractiveness of the locations for research and teaching.
5. Enhancing the global reach of the research landscape
As a hub for research and innovation, Germany’s global reach is crucial to its competitiveness and future viability. In particular, Germany needs to attract highly qualified students and research scientists by offering attractive overall conditions, such as accelerated visa procedures, and by strengthening global academic and research collaboration in times of geopolitical complexity.
6. A strong ministry with new responsibilities
To address the major transformation processes of our time, research and innovation policies need to be prioritized and more closely integrated. Research, teaching and innovation should therefore be combined in one ministry."