Good Scientific Practice (GSP)
Early-career scientists face immense pressure to publish, often valuing quantity over quality due to academic demands. Disputes arise from unclear authorship guidelines, with early-career researchers struggling to receive the credit they deserve while senior academics exert influence. Power imbalances further complicate careers, also mentorship, funding, and opportunities hinge on established researchers, making advocacy difficult. Without strong institutional support, good scientific practice (GSP) remains an ideal rather than a reality. Universities must implement ethical authorship policies, protect young scientists from exploitation, and prioritize research integrity over mere publication metrics. In our opinion, only systemic change can ensure early-career scientists thriving without sacrificing their well-being or ethics.
Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space
Dorothee Bär leads the newly formed BMFTR, raising hopes for reforms in German research institutions. Researchers anticipate changes in WissZeitVG to reduce job insecurity, address structural bullying, and improve working conditions. We and other institutions in academia demand a law that leads to fair contracts, ethical policies, and expectations are high. You can read our position paper concerning the WissZeitVG here on our website. Will Bär implement meaningful reforms, ensuring stability and integrity in research careers? The scientific community watches closely, hoping for decisive action and lasting improvements in academic employment.
Nature: “Can Germany reign in its academic bullying problem?”
An article in Nature (doi.org/10.1038/d41586-025-01207-8) discusses the issue of academic bullying in Germany, highlighting how rigid hierarchies and legal protections for tenured professors contribute to the often-occurring power abuse. The authors start with the case of a biology researcher who has bullied his junior staff of his working group, targeting women and international students, for decades – with the university being aware of the behavior. Due to legal constraints, universities struggle to investigate complaints, leaving victims vulnerable. The piece also mentions efforts by the Network for Sustainable Research to advocate for structural reforms that protect junior scientists and improve working conditions. “It’s considered culturally normal — this is just what science is like,” says Daniel Leising, a psychology researcher and professor at the Technical University of Dresden in Germany. We highly encourage you to read the whole article and start a discussion with your colleagues about better working conditions. Should you want to speak with someone about problems at your workplace, feel free to reach out to us.
Network against abuse of power in science
The Netzwerk Machtmissbrauch in der Wissenschaft e.V. provides support for individuals affected by power abuse in academia, advocating for fair working conditions. It raises awareness among institutions, promotes transparency, and pushes for structural reforms to prevent exploitation. By fostering open dialogue and offering independent advice, the network aims to create a safer, more equitable research environment where integrity and ethical standards are upheld.
Political pressure on Harvard increases
Right now, Harvard University is fighting a legal battle against the Trump administration over a ban preventing the university from enrolling international students. The restriction threatens thousands of students, disrupting academic careers and research efforts. We agree with Harvard argument that the move is politically motivated and violates constitutional rights. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the ban, but the case continues. The university remains committed to defending academic freedom and protecting international scholars. We call upon more academic and political institutions to take a stand against the ongoing shift to right wing politics with a focus on suppressing the freedom of research and researchers. In April, we already published a positon paper concerning international researchers in the USA.
