Scientists bear a responsibility when academic freedom, open debate, or fundamental societal values come under pressure.
Scientists are responsible not only for their research but also for the society in which that research takes place. Scientific expertise alone does not guarantee positive societal development. If academics withdraw entirely from political and societal debates, they cede these spaces to others—risking a scenario where decisions are increasingly made without scientific perspective, critical reflection, or a sense of long-term responsibility.
We therefore believe that engaging in societal and political discourse is part of academic responsibility. Scientists need not share the same political convictions; they may hold liberal, conservative, social democratic, or environmentalist views, or be shaped by other political traditions. What matters is that science is not equated with indifference toward societal developments. Methodological scientific independence and societal engagement are not mutually exclusive.
Against this backdrop, we would like to highlight the “Science for Democracy” symposium, which will take place on October 6, 2026, at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities.
Drawing on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the symposium will address issues such as disinformation, attacks on scientists, science communication, and the impact of illiberal and authoritarian trends on science and democracy. The aim is to discuss these threats and develop potential counter-strategies.
The scientific leadership team consists primarily of prominent figures in virology and infectious disease research, including Marylyn Addo, Sandra Ciesek, Christian Drosten, Gerd Fätkenheuer, Beate Kampmann, Florian Klein, Bernd Salzberger, and Jörg Timm. However, the invited speakers and the symposium’s topics extend well beyond these specific disciplines. Fields represented include communication studies, cognitive psychology, political science, climate research, peace and conflict studies, history, and constitutional and social law.
The program covers a wide range of topics, from “facts vs. fake news” and strategic vaccine communication to attacks on researchers and the question of what happens when facts no longer persuade, as well as the active defense of science and democracy. Experiences from other countries and the impact of illiberal government policies on science will also be discussed.
The symposium is organized by the Charité Center for Global Health, the German Society for Infectious Diseases, the German Center for Infection Research, and the Society for Virology. The event is explicitly aimed not only at scientists but also at policymakers, journalists, scientific organizations, foundations, and civil society actors. The registration deadline is September 22, 2026.
For Academic Solidarity, the underlying question is of particular interest: What responsibility do scientists bear when academic freedom, open debate, or fundamental societal values come under pressure?
We believe that science needs freedom—but freedom also needs scientists who are willing to speak out.
Further information and registration: https://wpd-symposium.de/
