Welcome to Science for Democracy!

The background

In February 2025, government negotiations took place in Austria with the FPÖ, which would also have provided the Federal Chancellor. Scientists have spoken out against such a government coalition in an open letter, because the FPÖ questions democracy, the “rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities, media freedom, an independent judiciary, but also academic freedom”.

The appeal states:

“The attacks on science are part of the FPÖ’s overall project to destroy basic democratic principles, which include the plurality of teaching and research and well-informed, knowledge-based decisions. […]

It is the task of research and teaching to “contribute to overcoming social challenges in a changing, humane and gender-equitable society”, according to Section 1 of the Universities Act. That is our declared aim. As independent scientists, we contribute to solving the great challenges of our time, understanding the diverse phenomena of this world and improving people’s living conditions. […]

We, scientists at Austrian universities, colleges and other research institutions, demand a clear and unequivocal YES TO DEMOCRACY, YES TO OPEN SOCIETY and to the freedom of research and its teaching. We therefore oppose the FPÖ’s participation in government and call on all democratic parties to work together constructively.”