G7 science academies publish Ottawa Declaration in support of academic freedom

Against the backdrop of global restrictions on scientific freedom, and not least in light of recent political developments in the United States, the science academies of the G7 countries have today jointly published the Ottawa Declaration. The document stresses the importance of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, the integrity of research, research security, and the responsible conduct of research in support of the public good. The Ottawa Declaration is a result of the Science 7 Summit, which took place in the Canadian capital on 7 and 8 May. As part of the Science 7 process, the National Academies of the G7 countries provide evidence-based policy advice for the annual G7 summits and jointly draft statements on scientific topics that are linked to the agenda and require a multilateral approach. 

The academies write that the G7 countries greatly benefit from investments in research, the mobility of researchers, and international cooperation. These factors foster knowledge creation, innovation, and are key to economic and social development. The declaration points out the central role that governments, universities, academies, and civil society play in promoting scientific cooperation and the pursuit of knowledge to advance the public good. The science academies state that they commit to strengthen their efforts to protect the integrity of science and the science advice systems, as these are core components of free and democratic societies. 

The G7 science academies’ Ottawa Declaration can be found here: https://www.leopoldina.org/en/ottawa-declaration

This year’s G7 summit of heads of state and government takes place in Kananaskis in the Canadian province of Alberta from 15 to 17 June 2025. Information about the G7 process and policy advice provided by the science academies as well as the current statements is available here: https://www.leopoldina.org/en/international/g7-and-g20-policy-advice/ 

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About the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina 
As the German National Academy of Sciences, the Leopoldina provides independent science-based policy advice on matters relevant to society. To this end, the Academy develops interdisciplinary statements based on scientific findings. In these publications, options for action are outlined; making decisions, however, is the responsibility of democratically legitimized politicians. The experts who prepare the statements work in a voluntary and unbiased manner. The Leopoldina represents the German scientific community in the international academy dialogue. This includes advising the annual summits of Heads of State and Government of the G7 and G20 countries. With around 1,700 members from more than 30 countries, the Leopoldina combines expertise from almost all research areas. Founded in 1652, it was appointed the National Academy of Sciences of Germany in 2008. The Leopoldina is committed to the common good.