A joint series by Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Cluster of Excellence SCRIPTS

Freedom is the foundation upon which scientific work is built. Without it, there is no independent research, no controversial debate, no societal progress. However, it is precisely this freedom that is increasingly coming under pressure – both in Germany and around the world. Academics and universities are increasingly faced with high-stakes challenges that involve undue political influence, demands for controversial events to be canceled, international tensions, and ethical conflicts.

The history of both of our universities is closely tied to questions of democracy, responsibility, and international partnerships – making the subject of academic freedom within our communities particularly relevant.

Freie Universität Berlin was founded in 1948 by professors and students in response to the persecution faced by students who were critical of the system at the university on Unter den Linden, at that time located in the Soviet sector of the divided city. Since it was founded, Freie Universität has been a place for open discourse and critical reflection. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin was founded in 1809 as the Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität and renamed in 1949. It too was founded in the spirit of science’s responsibility to society – and to act as a shaping force for the future.

These stories of our past and the histories of our universities hold us accountable – especially now, where academic freedom is under so much pressure, be it through political expectations, debates about cancel culture, international interdependencies, or economic influence.

With the “Academic Freedom” series, put together with contributions from both institutions, we aim to inform, raise awareness, and promote dialogue. What does academic freedom mean today – on an individual and an institutional level? Where are its limits; where is it under threat? And what role do science and academia themselves play in upholding this freedom?

During the current summer semester, we will be providing insight into ongoing debates surrounding academic freedom. We will shed light on legal, political, and ethical dimensions of academic freedom, while providing researchers from both universities with a platform to share their expertise and unique perspectives. Our aim is to draw attention to academic freedom and raise awareness of its importance – for researchers, for students, and for everyone with an interest in science and research.

Freie Universität and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin are advocates for a scientific system that is strong and open to all – and that is built upon values such as autonomy, responsibility, and critical discourse.

Academic freedom is not a privilege. Nor, if viewed from a global perspective, is it something to be taken for granted. It is, however, undoubtedly necessary if universities are to preserve their key function as places of learning and innovation – and where conflicting points of view are allowed to coexist. We can only answer the big questions of our times if scientists and scholars are free to carry out their work uninhibited.