German National Academy of Sciences Demands Enhanced Government Support for Scientific Research
Berlin: The incoming president of Germany’s National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina (Leopoldina), Professor Bettina Rockenbach, has called for a stronger commitment to scientific funding from the upcoming federal government.
"The independence of science is an invaluable asset that we must all collectively defend," Rockenbach emphasized in Berlin. "External funding can drive innovation, but we must not compromise the core funding provided by the state."
Rockenbach will assume office as the first female president of the Leopoldina on March 1. Notably, she has chosen Halle (Saale) as her official residence, while her predecessor, Gerald Haug, primarily worked from Berlin. An economics scholar, Rockenbach joined the academy in 2013.
Strengthening Science Policy
Rockenbach also advocated for a more prominent role for science policy in the new federal government. She argued that placing science and innovation at the heart of Germany’s agenda is essential for its economic prosperity.
One proposed measure is to shift the responsibility for innovation policy from the Ministry of Economics to the Ministry of Research, facilitating the practical application of scientific findings. "Our goal must be to ensure that innovation happens, preventing individuals with promising ideas from migrating abroad," Rockenbach highlighted.
Enhancing Societal Impact
Furthermore, Rockenbach expressed her ambition for the Leopoldina to play a more active role in society. She stressed that scientific knowledge does not simply vanish when denied, stating, "Nature remains unaffected by our ignorance. If we choose to ignore certain truths, the consequences could be severe."
A key objective of her presidency, therefore, is to improve the accessibility of scientific knowledge. To achieve this, the Leopoldina plans to introduce new formats, such as concise information briefs, expand its social media presence, and potentially launch a podcast. "Success for me will be when citizens actively seek out the Leopoldina website because they trust it as a reliable source of scientific information," she explained.
About the Leopoldina
The Leopoldina represents German science on the international stage. It comprises approximately 1,700 members from over 30 countries, covering a wide spectrum of research disciplines. Founded in 1652, the Leopoldina has served as Germany’s National Academy of Sciences since 2008.
