“The US remains an indispensable partner for science – our cooperation is more important than ever”

Excellent research thrives on international exchange, global collaboration and the free flow of ideas. Without the expertise and commitment of highly qualified specialists from all over the world, cutting-edge research and scientific innovation in Germany would be inconceivable. At the HZI alone, scientists from more than 60 nations work together. This is a reflection of our global network and our clear commitment to international cooperation.

The openness that fosters science and research worldwide is now facing increasingly complex conditions in various regions. Even in the US, traditionally a key partner in many areas of research, there are developments underway that could potentially affect scientific freedom. Sensitive research areas such as climate and the Earth system, gender, and infectious diseases and vaccines appear to be particularly affected. Even renowned institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) – with an annual budget of US$48 billion, the world’s largest health research institution – aren’t entirely unaffected by these dynamics.

The US is and remains a pre-eminent scientific nation, with renowned institutions such as the NIH, CDC and many top universities. It plays a central role in overcoming epidemics, developing new therapies and providing international health care. The close scientific ties between Germany and the US will be essential to effectively managing future health crises and developing sustainable solutions to global challenges.

The first positive signs: Germany is increasingly perceived as an attractive research location internationally, especially in the US, but also in Canada. For example, the number of applications from the US for the most recent calls for research groups at the HZI was twice that compared to last year. In order to offer these highly qualified scientists long-term prospects in Germany while also strengthening the Helmholtz Association in the long term, we will create new group leader positions with additional funding.

However, if we are to be even more successful, well need to make targeted improvements – especially with regard to our structural conditions and so-called “soft value.” It’s up to us to attract even more excellent minds to Germany by offering attractive structures and an innovative working environment. In other words, if we had been more successful in recent years in consistently improving the conditions for scientific careers, Germany would now be able to develop its international attractiveness much more independently. Instead of recruiting more specialists from the United States, we’re focusing on creating a place that stands for academic freedom, reliable conditions and vibrant international cooperation. Our goal remains to deepen transatlantic scientific relations and to tackle global challenges together, from the climate crisis to new pandemics. Science is, by definition, international. And we all have a responsibility to defend the values of openness, academic freedom and integrity.

What we need now is not nationalistic competition, but smart, long-term science diplomacy. Foresight, not competition, is called for.