Researchers and global scientific institutions should consider North Rhine-Westphalia a reliable and supportive ally.
In a significant move to uphold scientific freedom amidst global polarization, Germany has announced the immediate establishment of a 50 million euro fund for science and research in North Rhine-Westphalia. This decision, made during the Berlin coalition talks, emphasizes Germany's commitment to serving as a safe haven for researchers worldwide.
SPD state parliamentarian Sonja Bongers has been a vocal advocate for this initiative, suggesting that the fund offers new opportunities to researchers affected by the ideologically driven purge currently underway in the United States. The decline in research and science in the U.S., disguised as budget consolidation measures, has significantly impacted projects in the areas of diversity, equality, and inclusion, as well as climate change.
The purpose of the fund extends beyond protecting science and research in Germany. It also aims to strengthen the region's science hub, North Rhine-Westphalia, which is home to numerous universities and research institutions. The funds will be used to expand and intensify existing cooperations and partnerships between these institutions and their counterparts worldwide.
The fund seeks to provide a new private and professional home for scientists from all over the world, offering them a sanctuary from ideological purges. While there are no specific initiatives in North Rhine-Westphalia that directly focus on supporting scientists affected by these purges in the U.S., the region is involved in various initiatives that promote international collaboration and support for researchers.
For instance, North Rhine-Westphalia offers significant funding for researchers to establish groups, with up to 1.25 million euros available over five years. While this program supports researchers worldwide, it does not specifically target those affected by purges in the U.S. The next call for applications is scheduled for Autumn 2025.
The region is also part of several international research collaborations, such as the BU-TU Dortmund Research Network, which fosters partnerships between universities in Germany and the U.S. These networks focus on shared research goals and do not specifically address ideological purges.
Universities in North Rhine-Westphalia, like the Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, engage in various initiatives to support researchers, including European Postdoctoral Fellowships under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Program. These programs are open to international researchers and can indirectly support those seeking refuge from hostile academic environments.
In light of current developments in the U.S. and other parts of the world, SPD state parliamentarian Sonja Bongers has emphasized the importance of standing up for the freedom of research and science. The protection of science and research in Germany has been a priority since the founding of the Federal Republic, and this new fund is a testament to that commitment. As Germany continues to foster a welcoming environment for researchers, it underscores its role as a beacon of academic freedom in a world that increasingly values ideological conformity.
[1] [Source for the next call for applications for research groups in North Rhine-Westphalia](https://www.nrw-foerderung.de/en/research-and-innovation/research-funding/research-funding-programmes/programmes-for-researchers/research-groups/research-groups-call-for-proposals)
[2] [Source for European Postdoctoral Fellowships under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Program](https://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships_en)
[3] [Source for the BU-TU Dortmund Research Network](https://www.b-tu.de/en/research/cooperation/international/bu-tu-dortmund-research-network/136609.php)
- SPD state parliamentarian Sonja Bongers has highlighted the significance of this new 50 million euro fund for science and research in North Rhine-Westphalia, as it offers a potential refuge for researchers facing ideological purges, particularly those in the United States.
- In addition to strengthening the region's science hub, the fund aims to support projects in the areas of diversity, equality, and inclusion, as well as climate change, which have been affected by the decline in research and science in the U.S.
- The fund encourages international collaboration and cooperation, with the aim to expand and intensify existing partnerships between universities and research institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia and their counterparts around the world.
- Universities in North Rhine-Westphalia, like the Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, provide programs such as European Postdoctoral Fellowships under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Program, which are open to international researchers and can indirectly support those seeking refuge from hostile academic environments.
