At the recent Jugend forscht awards in Hamburg, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier voiced strong concerns about the treatment of scientific institutions by the Trump administration. He criticized the increasing restrictions on academic freedom in the United States, highlighting how financial and operational pressures are being imposed on universities like Harvard. Steinmeier pointed out that the globally respected American scientific and educational system is at risk of being undermined by populism and anti-establishment sentiments.
The president urged Germany to stand firm against such threats to free science, emphasizing the importance of defending the freedom of research and innovation. He underlined the significance of initiatives like Jugend forscht, which foster young talents who contribute valuable solutions to global challenges. This year's competition involved over 10,000 participants with nearly 5,700 projects, showcasing the innovative spirit of young researchers.
Moreover, Steinmeier stressed the need for Germany to intensify efforts in its education policies, despite economic difficulties. He called for a system that enables young people to fully realize their potential, regardless of their background. Acknowledging existing investments in early education and schools, he noted that much work remains to be done, especially addressing teacher shortages and funding issues. Steinmeier's message was clear: nurturing engaged and capable young individuals is crucial for addressing the pressing challenges of our time.
