Title:
European ministers adopt declaration on research freedom
Author:
Brendan O'Malley
Published:
University World News, 23 October 2020
From the article:
Ministers from the European Research Area have adopted a declaration asserting the “relevance of the freedom of scientific research for the progress of our societies”.
The declaration, which was adopted at the Ministerial Conference on the European Research Area on 20 October, says: “The freedom of scientific research is a universal right and public good.”
Also see:
Bonn Declaration on Freedom of Scientific Research
Adopted at the Ministerial Conference on the European Research Area on 20 October 2020 in Bonn
From the Declaration on The relevance of freedom of scientific research for the progress of our societies:
The freedom of scientific research is a universal right and public good. It is a core principle of the European Union and as such anchored in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. It is also protected by the United nations' International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights ratified by more than 170 states. It has constitutional or legal status in most EU Member States. The freedom of scientific research applies to all types of research organizations and scholarships and to all academic disciplines. Freedom of thought and intellectual creativity require also freedom and security of individuals. Freedom of scientific research stands for openness, exchange, excellence, internationalism, diversity, equality, integrity, curiosity, responsibility and reflexivity. It is therefore a pillar of any democracy.
Research and the freedom to conduct research are indispensable prerequisites for our social, cultural, political and economic resilience and progress. Scientific research benefits the people and society through the advancement of knowledge. Freedom of scientific research is a necessary condition for researchers to produce, share and transfer knowledge as public good for the well-being of society. Our hopes and our ambitions to achieve a better future also depend on the freedom of scientific research.