Scientists could be more involved in military projects, says German minister

The German Minister for Research and Technology, Dorothee Baer, has called on civilian scientists in Germany to consider joining military or multi-purpose projects. She said all scientists should be free to work on projects that support common security objectives.

The call came primarily because many German universities still adhere to so-called civilian clauses, which exclude cooperation on projects with possible military applications.

Baer said it was time to reconsider these clauses. Scientists and the institutions themselves should decide on their research objectives, she said.

According to the politician, the separation of civilian and military research is also hindering the development of some startups and the economy based on academia.

(reuters, sie)