Commentary on the Science Barometer 2024
On November 6, Dr Lars Lott from the Institute of Political Science was invited to the Fraunhofer Forum in Berlin to comment on the results of the Science Barometer 2024. The Science Barometer, published by Wissenschaft im Dialog, celebrated its tenth anniversary and for the first time captured how respondents view academic freedom in Germany.
Overall, the surveys demonstrate a high and sustained trust in science. Regarding academic freedom in Germany, 45% of respondents believe that scientists in Germany can research and teach freely. A notable 39% think that academic freedom is only partially present. In his commentary, Lars Lott emphasized that academic freedom in Germany is well protected in international comparison and that the public’s perception of the contextual conditions is distorted. He particularly advocated for better communication regarding the conditions under which science takes place in Germany.
A German-language video recording of the event can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/live/IFheGOpjEBI