Democracy as the Foundation of Research and Teaching
Justus Liebig University Giessen stands up for academic freedom
- Joint position paper by science and industry ahead of the upcoming state elections
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2 September 2026
Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is joining a position paper issued by 23 leading scientific organisations – including the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) and the German Research Foundation (DFG) – and leading business associations. On the occasion of the upcoming state elections, they are emphatically advocating for the protection and strengthening of academic freedom.
To this end, they have formulated key recommendations and outlined them in a position paper. The core argument is that an excellent research landscape and strong, innovative companies are the cornerstones of Germany's prosperity, competitiveness, and technological sovereignty. Research, development, and their industrial application are crucial to securing and further expanding our country's capacity for innovation.
At the same time, our open society and its institutions are facing increasing pressure: forces hostile to science and democracy are attempting to delegitimise research findings, restrict certain topics, or exert ideological influence. This endangers not only academic freedom but also the resilience of our democratic society, the innovativeness of our economy, and, consequently, the future of Germany.
- A clear sign of freedom, democracy and tolerance
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Showing the World the Real and Colourful Giessen
29 October 2025
According to law, universities are committed to the nurturing and development of the sciences and arts, as well as to the realisation of the right to education through research, artistic creation, teaching, study, and further education in a free, democratic, and social constitutional state. This constitutional state is therefore the essential foundation for the work of Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) and Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) in research, teaching, and transfer. The Studierendenwerk Giessen, as part of the academic community, also operates on this constitutional basis and, through its social and supportive services, contributes to achieving equal opportunities and to coexistence in a diverse and democratic society.
We observe with concern that at the end of November, our tolerant and cosmopolitan university city will be the venue for the founding of a new party youth organisation whose predecessor was classified as a confirmed right-wing extremist group, which led to its self-dissolution.
Giessen did not choose this event. In our constitutional state, this event can take place within the bounds of the law. Democracy can be demanding, and what it repeatedly asks of us in the name of freedom is particularly evident in moments like these.
However, on the last weekend of November, we have the opportunity to show the world the real and colourful Giessen. We therefore encourage the students and employees of JLU, THM, and the Studierendenwerk, as well as all citizens of Giessen, to send a peaceful signal on these days for freedom, democracy, tolerance, and openness to the world.