Here is the basis of the association’s work: six theses which, in the eyes of the association, represent the most important problems in the German science system with regard to working conditions.
1. Thesis: Science is a cornerstone of our society. It must be promoted for the sake of progress and in the interest of the population/society.
Explanation: The sciences consist of an interplay between the acquisition of knowledge and the critical examination of results. They are the basis for progress in society as a whole and […]
2. Thesis: Precarious working conditions endanger the quality of scientific work.
Explanation The science system is characterized by high performance expectations and great competition. The Federal Report for Young Scientists (BuWiN) 2021 documents that 92 percent of full-time staff at universities […]
3. Thesis: Precarious working conditions prevent excellent academic education and training. They also do not create incentives for good teaching or supervision of students.
Explanation: Supporting scientists in early career phases is an essential part of scientific work. Incentives for good teaching are therefore necessary. The general conditions are an obstacle to this: Hierarchies […]
4. Thesis: Precarious working conditions are reinforced by problematic evaluation structures and false incentives in the system.
Explanation: A career in academic research is a constant comparison of forces, fueled by the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz. If the decisive criterion for new hires is the number of publications, this tempts […]
5. Thesis: Precarious working conditions prevent science communication. Because many citizens lack an understanding of science, it plays too small a role in political processes.
Explanation: Science communication enables the sharing of scientific knowledge between scientists and society. Citizens need access to the current state of knowledge in research in order to participate in political […]
6. Thesis: Precarious working conditions compromise the quality of research and waste public funds and resources.
Explanation: Taxpayers’ money often funds scientific work and is not used efficiently due to the working conditions in the science system. Biomedical research alone receives up to $240 billion annually […]