In many countries around the world, academic freedom is protected by law and supported by society. In light of changing media and political conditions, controversial debates about the role of science and research, and intensified by societal conflicts, the question arises as to whether and to what extent science and research are being restricted in some areas or even attacked. Often, the debate lacks more detailed empirical findings on the forms, extent, and effects of attacks and conflicts.
Against this backdrop, the project aims to identify relevant actors and drivers of threats and restrictions, gain context-specific insights into threat and restriction profiles, and provide opportunities for exchange on research related to conflicts in science and higher education in Germany. The project builds on previous empirical research conducted at the DZHW, brings together expertise, and seeks to establish collaborations with other national and international research partners. Data from previous projects is reused and processed.
The project is characterized by two perspectives on conflicts in academia and higher education institutions. First, it examines the extent to which academia and research are targets of external attacks. A key question here is which disciplines and groups are particularly affected. A second perspective examines how conflicts are negotiated within universities and academic institutions.
The project is divided into four work packages: Work Package 1 examines the drivers and actors of conflicts. Which actors disparage researchers and trigger professional problems? And what conditions contribute to the escalation or acceleration of conflicts? Work Package 2 examines the contexts and experiences of conflicts in greater detail. How do conflicts and acts of hostility unfold? What types of cases emerge? Here, particular attention will be given to qualitative data and interviews. Work Package 3 examines the content of conflicts. Which topics are particularly associated with conflicts and hostility? Finally, Work Package 4 serves to feed the research findings into academic and societal discourse. To this end, data will be curated and prepared for the academic community.
The project aims to contribute to research on conflicts in higher education and academia and to provide the fields of higher education and academic research with important data to inform these debates.
