German president criticizes U.S. government's treatment of scientists

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has sharply criticized the United States government's approach to scientists, expressing deep concern over what he described as intimidation and a systematic undermining of research independence. Speaking at the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureates Meeting, Steinmeier lamented that in the U.S., there is an "administration that intimidates researchers."

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We must be determined to defend freedom!

While not providing specific examples, the German president pointed to the current U.S. administration's alleged practices of "harassing educational institutions when they do not comply with political guidelines" and arbitrarily cutting funds to universities or entire scientific fields. Steinmeier warned that such actions threaten the very foundations of democracy and scientific progress, stating, "This cannot leave science or democracy indifferent. We must be determined to defend freedom!"

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This cannot leave science or democracy indifferent.

Steinmeier's critique extended beyond the U.S., as he also voiced concern over a growing skepticism towards science within Germany itself. He highlighted the rejection of established scientific consensus on issues like human-caused climate change and vaccination. The president noted that those who question science often exhibit skepticism or hostility towards democracy and its institutions.

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The administration that intimidates researchers.

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Steinmeier recalled how scientists in Germany became targets of defamation and intimidation, even receiving death threats. He also touched upon the transformative and potentially dangerous aspects of artificial intelligence, such as deepfakes, emphasizing the rapid and radical changes these technologies are bringing to society and the world of work. Steinmeier celebrated the Lindau meetings as a vital space for dialogue among scientists.

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The foundations of democracy.