The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, Germany’s premier scientific institution, has once again taken a leading role in the international advisory process ahead of the upcoming G7 summit. This collaboration, known as the Science 7 (S7) process, involves the premier science academies from the G7 countries, offering cutting-edge, science-backed recommendations to the heads of state and government before their high-level meetings. The Leopoldina’s renewed participation underscores its longstanding tradition of bridging science and policy on the global stage, a once again vital initiative given the complexity of contemporary challenges faced by the G7 nations.
In May 2025, the S7 Summit convened in Ottawa, Canada, bringing together the leaders of the G7 science academies to finalize their collective advisory statements. For Professor Dr. Bettina Rockenbach, President of the Leopoldina since March 2025, this engagement marked her inaugural foreign mission. Her presence heralded not only the Academy’s continued commitment to multilateral scientific collaboration, but also her personal dedication to fostering dialogue on critical scientific issues that transcend national borders.
The preparation for the S7 Summit was a months-long, meticulously coordinated effort. Under the stewardship of the host academy—in this case, the Royal Society of Canada—the participating science academies engaged in extensive interdisciplinary collaboration to draft joint statements addressing pressing global challenges. The 2025 S7 agenda prioritized three pivotal themes: the governance of advanced technologies and data security, the multifaceted dimensions of climate change and public health resilience, and the dynamic, complex issues surrounding international migration.
A focal point of the summit was a dedicated panel on Advanced Technologies and Data Security, led by President Rockenbach herself. Here, discussions delved deeply into the regulation and ethical management of artificial intelligence (AI) applications, a sector marked by rapid innovation yet carrying profound societal implications. The conversation emphasized the necessity of establishing adaptable governance frameworks capable of balancing technological advancement with privacy, security, and ethical transparency. Furthermore, the responsible stewardship of data assets was a critical component, acknowledging the pivotal role data plays in both economic development and national security.
In parallel, the climate change and health segment offered an integrative lens on environmental transformations and their cascading effects on global populations. The academies underscored the urgent necessity for synchronized international policy responses to mitigate climate risks, enhance health systems’ adaptability, and champion sustainability-driven innovations. This holistic approach aligns empirical scientific insights with policy mechanisms to address the intersections of environmental science, epidemiology, and socio-economic vulnerabilities.
Migration, the third central theme, was analyzed through the prism of geopolitical shifts and humanitarian imperatives. The discourse addressed how scientific research can inform evidence-based policies to manage migration flows effectively, safeguard human rights, and foster social integration amid rising global mobility. The academies advocated for an interdisciplinary strategy, combining political science, sociology, and economics to craft forward-looking migration policies adaptable to evolving regional and global circumstances.
Beyond the formal sessions, President Rockenbach’s visit extended to strategic engagements within Canada’s science policy ecosystem. Meetings with senior Canadian science policy officials and German diplomatic representatives, notably German Ambassador Matthias Lüttenberg, fostered bilateral dialogues on scientific collaboration, policy alignment, and academic exchange. Additionally, her discussions with Professor Dr. Jacques Frémont, President of the University of Ottawa, illuminated contemporary challenges facing Canadian universities, including funding pressures and the ripple effects of shifting political landscapes, particularly in the United States.
The upcoming G7 summit itself is scheduled for mid-June 2025 in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, where heads of state and government will assemble to deliberate on issues resonating with the scientific community’s prior advisory input. It is anticipated that the evidence-based recommendations emanating from the S7 process will play an instrumental role in shaping policy decisions, underscoring the value of rigorous interdisciplinary scientific advice in global governance.
The Leopoldina’s historical stature reinforces the significance of its contributions to these deliberations. Founded in 1652 and recognized as the National Academy of Sciences of Germany since 2008, it embodies centuries of scholarly excellence and commitment to societal welfare. Its current membership exceeds 1,700 experts from over 30 countries, representing a vast spectrum of research disciplines. This diverse scientific breadth enables the Academy to formulate comprehensive policy advice that is reflective of complex, multifactorial global issues.
The voluntary, unbiased nature of the Leopoldina’s work ensures that its advisory statements remain grounded in scientific rigor and ethical neutrality. While recommendations highlight strategic options, the Academy emphasizes that decision-making authority ultimately lies with democratically empowered political leaders, preserving the integrity of governance while enriching it with scientific evidence.
In the context of burgeoning technological advancements, especially in AI and data sciences, the institutional role of entities like the Leopoldina has never been more critical. Their involvement ensures that science remains central to addressing challenges that require nuanced regulation, foresight, and international cooperation. The S7 process exemplifies this ethos, facilitating a concerted approach that leverages scientific expertise to underpin policies with long-term societal benefits.
As global challenges grow increasingly interconnected, the sustained collaboration among G7 science academies signals an essential evolution in political advisory mechanisms. By embedding scientific expertise directly into summit preparations, the G7 nations demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based policymaking that acknowledges the complex realities of the 21st century. The Leopoldina’s active and forward-looking participation solidifies its role as a key player in this historic endeavor.
The impact of this scientific advisory process extends beyond the G7 circle, setting a precedent for other international collaborations in science diplomacy. It fosters a culture where science guides global decision-making, contributing to resilient, equitable, and sustainable outcomes worldwide. The efforts culminating in the 2025 S7 Summit stand testament to this vision, driven by academic excellence, international collaboration, and a shared dedication to the common good.
Subject of Research: Science-based policy advice for G7 summit focusing on advanced technologies, data security, climate change, health, and migration.
Article Title: Leopoldina Leads in Science Advisory for G7 Summit: Shaping Policies on AI, Climate, and Migration
News Publication Date: 2025
Web References:
- Leopoldina on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/leopoldina.org
- Leopoldina on Twitter (X): https://www.twitter.com/leopoldina
Keywords: Science policy, Scientific community, International cooperation, Advanced technologies, Data security, AI governance, Climate change, Health resilience, Migration policy, G7 summit advisory, Science diplomacy, Interdisciplinary research
