Differentiated and Academically Appropriate Discussion on Research Cooperation

Statement on cooperation with the People's Republic of China and quantum researcher Jian-Wei Pan. Heidelberg University welcomes a differentiated and academically appropriate discussion about research cooperation with the People's Republic of China. This discussion is continually conducted at the university, in particular relating to institutionalised academic cooperation agreements. In this respect, Heidelberg University is against drawing "red lines" for scientific cooperation by non-academic actors and favours critical debate in the context of university bodies and exchange in the academic community. Appropriate decisions about research connections and their possible risks must be taken on this basis and the fundamental principle of academic freedom enshrined in German Basic Law must thereby be protected. In the view of Heidelberg University, exercising responsibility in the scholarly process makes it imperative to continually review institutional and individual connections; this currently includes the contacts and cooperation with Chinese universities and institutes. Heidelberg University is an international research university with strong emphases in basic research, which is not primarily directed towards developing and applying new technologies.