EuChemS endorses ALLEA statement on threats to academic freedom and international research collaboration

In February 2025, ALLEA (All European Academies) released a statement highlighting grave concerns over actions by the new U.S. Administration, including executive orders that freeze billions in federal research funding and impose censorship on research topics such as climate change and gender studies. These measures have led to significant disruptions within U.S. science agencies and research institutions, forcing many to suspend or curtail operations.

ALLEA emphasised that such actions compromise the integrity of scientific and scholarly endeavors not only in the U.S. but globally, given the interconnected nature of the research ecosystem. ​

EuChemS’ position

Recognising the broad impact of these challenges, EuChemS has long advocated for academic freedom, the autonomy of research institutions, and international collaboration as fundamental pillars of scientific progress. As a stakeholder of ALLEA, EuChemS was invited to contribute to the 2023 Revised Edition of ALLEA’s European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity, a reference document recognised by the European Commission for evaluating research integrity in EU-funded projects.

By endorsing ALLEA’s statement this year, EuChemS reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding these principles and expresses solidarity with the global research community in facing unprecedented challenges.​

EuChemS actively supports European research policies that foster openness, cross-border cooperation, and evidence-based decision-making, and it recognises that restrictions on academic freedom in any part of the world have ripple effects on global research efforts, hindering scientific advancements and innovation. In this light, EuChemS supports ongoing efforts to strengthen the conditions necessary for a thriving, open, and collaborative research environment.

Call to action

ALLEA’s statement serves as a call to action for the global research community. It urges members, partners, and like-minded organisations, as well as national governments and international institutions in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, to remain vigilant and strengthen efforts to safeguard academic freedom and the autonomy of scientific institutions. ALLEA calls for concrete actions and measures that uphold these values through inter-institutional and supranational agreements.

For a comprehensive understanding of ALLEA’s position and to explore ways to support this initiative, the full statement is accessible here.