Marsilius kontrovers Autonomy in turbulent times. How do we protect academic freedom?

Article 5(3) of the Basic Law guarantees the freedom of the arts, science, research and teaching, and accords them a special legal status. The Constitution protects scientific work as an individual right and safeguards the autonomy of universities and research institutions, which is essential for the independent production of knowledge. However, academic freedom is not static. Based on existing regulations, its practical meaning is constantly renegotiated. In this process, the state and society continuously influence and determine the decisions of scientific institutions. This reveals how fragile respect for the autonomous sphere of science can be. Guidelines on governance, funding, and the setting of content priorities, as well as heated public debates, demonstrate that science is frequently expected to comply with and serve other political, social, or economic agendas and objectives. The rise of authoritarian-populist forces is exacerbating this trend.

In this edition of Marsilius kontrovers, we will discuss the political and societal influences on academia, examining their implications for institutional self-determination and academic practice. We will explore the relationship between individual freedom in research and teaching, and institutional autonomy. We will also consider the measures available to safeguard and proactively strengthen academic freedom.

Members of the audience, both in the hall and watching the livestream, are invited to contribute to the discussion on Tuesday, 21 April 2026 at 18:00 in the lecture theatre of the Marsilius Kolleg (Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.1, 69120 Heidelberg) and via livestream.