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20 February 2025

Academic freedom and international research collaboration under threat in U.S.

    The European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities expresses grave concern over the escalating threats to academic freedom, both in the United States and beyond. The statement is also signed by the KNAW. 

    Many U.S. science agencies and research organisations are forced to abruptly suspend normal operations due to lack of funding. There is also censorship, for example in climate change research and gender studies. Political interference in language, topic selection and methodology of research constitutes a fundamental attack on scientific integrity, with far-reaching consequences for science and scholarship worldwide. After all, research is an international endeavour.

    ALLEA warns that the Trump administration's measures could have a devastating effect on international cooperation programs, especially in health, climate research, gender studies and social sciences. Restrictions have also been imposed on data sharing between U.S. and European partners. This jeopardizes the scientific cooperation that has been built up over decades. These new measures are harmful not only to science but also to society as a whole. 

    The academies of sciences and humanities call on their governments and international institutions to remain vigilant and strengthen ongoing efforts to safeguard academic freedom and the autonomy of research institutions.

    About ALLEA

    ALLEA is the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities, representing approximately 60 academies from 40 countries in Europe. Since its foundation in 1994, ALLEA speaks out on behalf of its members on the European and international stages, promotes science as a global public good, and facilitates scientific collaboration across borders and disciplines

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