GoKawiilEU science advisers warn academic freedom under threat, link research to democracy
Members of the European Commission's Group of Chief Scientific Advisors say governments worldwide are restricting academic freedom, interfering with research funding decisions and, in some cases, targeting scientists politically. They argue science and democracy are deeply linked, outlining three ways research supports democratic systems: establishing shared factual baselines, building trust in institutions, and providing tools to adapt policy to changing circumstances. The advisers note EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva asked them in May for guidance on how science can bolster the bloc's democratic resilience.
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The advisers' framing suggests a growing concern among scientific institutions that political pressure on research could erode the evidence base democracies rely on for policymaking. Their call could feed into EU policy discussions on protecting academic freedom, though any formal response from the Commission remains to be seen. The warning also reflects broader international anxieties, cited by the authors, about politically motivated interference in science.
- EU chief scientific advisers warn of global threats to academic freedom and research funding independence.
- They propose three pillars linking science to democracy: factual baselines, institutional trust, and adaptive policy tools.
- EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva requested advice in May on using science to strengthen democratic resilience.
Source: nature.com — Kahanec, 2026-11-03
Published there as: “How democracy depends on science — and must protect it”
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