In an era increasingly marked by geopolitical tensions and the imposition of constraints on academic inquiry, the G7 science academies have collaboratively issued the Ottawa Declaration, underscoring the critical importance of preserving and advancing scientific freedom globally. This landmark document emerges against a backdrop of escalating challenges to research independence, including political interference and restrictions on researchers’ mobility. The joint statement encapsulates a shared commitment by leading scientific institutions to safeguard the principles of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, research integrity, and responsible conduct in the pursuit of knowledge that serves the public good.
The Ottawa Declaration is the culmination of deliberations held during the Science 7 Summit, hosted in Ottawa on the 7th and 8th of May 2025. This summit, a pivotal event in the Science 7 process, functions as a multilateral platform where the national science academies of the G7 countries converge to discuss pressing scientific and policy issues. It enables a coordinated response to challenges that transcend national borders and necessitates collective action, particularly regarding the interface between science, policy, and society in an increasingly complex global landscape.
At its core, the declaration highlights how investments in research infrastructure, cross-border collaboration, and the unfettered exchange of ideas are essential drivers for innovation, economic growth, and societal advancement. By emphasizing the mobility of researchers and the free flow of scientific knowledge, the statement reflects an understanding that rigid controls on academic freedom directly undermine the potential for discovery and the societal benefits derived therefrom. It calls upon governments, universities, research institutions, and civil society alike to engage actively in the promotion and protection of these foundational elements of scientific progress.
One of the critical points addressed in the Ottawa Declaration concerns the preservation of institutional autonomy. In the context of rising politicization of science, scientific institutions must retain the freedom to set research agendas and operate without undue interference, ensuring that scientific outcomes remain unbiased and driven by empirical evidence rather than political expediency. The academies collectively assert that autonomy is a prerequisite for maintaining the rigor and integrity that underpin trustworthy scientific advice to policymakers and the public.
Research integrity itself stands at the forefront of this initiative. The Ottawa Declaration asserts the need for robust mechanisms to protect the credibility of scientific results, counteract misinformation, and uphold ethical standards across all disciplines. Integrity in research not only bolsters public trust but is also fundamental to fostering an environment where innovative solutions can flourish. The statement implicitly responds to contemporary concerns surrounding reproducibility crises and the politicization of scientific findings by reaffirming the intrinsic value of transparency and accountability within research processes.
Another essential dimension of the declaration is the emphasis on research security, which addresses the dual-use nature of certain scientific knowledge and technologies. The academies recognize that while scientific openness propels progress, there must also be prudent safeguards to prevent misuse or unintended consequences, especially in areas related to biosecurity and emerging technologies. The balance between openness and security requires nuanced, internationally coordinated frameworks which the G7 science academies are uniquely positioned to support.
Furthermore, the declaration underlines the shared responsibility of the international scientific community to adhere to principles of responsible research conduct. This responsibility extends to mentoring the next generation of scientists, promoting ethical awareness, and fostering cultures within institutions that prioritize social responsibility alongside scientific excellence. By advocating for these values, the declaration aims to inspire a global scientific ethos aligned with societal needs and sustainable development goals.
Embedded in the declaration is a recognition of the strategic role that scientific advice plays in democratic societies. The academies pledge to strengthen the mechanisms by which science informs policy, highlighting that evidence-based decision-making is vital for addressing complex global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and technological disruption. The restoration and reinforcement of effective science advisory systems are portrayed as cornerstones of resilient and responsive governance.
The upcoming G7 Summit, scheduled to be held in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17, 2025, offers an opportune moment to integrate these scientific imperatives into the highest levels of political dialogue. The timing reinforces the hope that the Ottawa Declaration will serve not only as a manifesto for academic freedom but also as a practical guide for governments committed to fostering environments where science can thrive unimpeded for the benefit of all.
Remarkably, the G7 academies, through this declaration, assert their commitment to ongoing collaboration and dialogue that transcends national interests and political shifts. The document reflects an understanding that scientific challenges are global by nature and require a unified, sustained response. By presenting a united front, the academies emphasize that collective action is indispensable for protecting the core values of scientific inquiry.
Complementing the declaration, the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina serves as a prime example of a national institution with a rich heritage, tracing its origins back to 1652 and solidified as Germany’s national academy in 2008. With a membership spanning more than 30 countries and encompassing nearly 1,700 experts, Leopoldina exemplifies the interdisciplinary and international cooperation advocated by the Ottawa Declaration. The academy consistently provides independent, evidence-based policy advice, thereby playing a critical role in bridging science and governance.
Notably, the declaration and its principles resonate with contemporary debates about the role of science in society, especially within the context of increasing skepticism, politicization, and the rise of disinformation. The precise articulation of academic freedom and research integrity as pillars of open societies serves as a clarion call to defend and advance the conditions in which science can contribute meaningfully to public welfare.
In essence, the Ottawa Declaration represents a proactive and principled response by the world’s leading scientific academies to global pressures that threaten the sanctity of scientific research. It invites policy makers, institutions, and society at large to recommit to safeguarding the freedoms that are indispensable to scientific excellence and innovation. Its timely emergence not only underscores the urgency of these challenges but also charts a path forward rooted in collaboration, ethical conduct, and a steadfast dedication to the public good.
Subject of Research: Academic freedom, research integrity, and science policy in the context of global scientific cooperation and governance.
Article Title: The Ottawa Declaration: G7 Science Academies Unite to Defend Scientific Freedom and Integrity in Turbulent Times
News Publication Date: May 2025
Web References:
https://www.leopoldina.org/en/international/g7-and-g20-policy-advice/
https://bsky.app/profile/leopoldina.org
https://www.youtube.com/@nationalakademieleopoldina
https://www.twitter.com/leopoldina
Keywords: Scientific freedom, academic policy, science policy, international cooperation, international relations, research integrity, academic ethics, research security, responsible research conduct.
