German expert urges constitutional amendment to safeguard scientific freedom

Constitutional law scholar Christoph Möllers has called for a change to Article 91b of the German Basic Law. He argues that the current rule, which allows a single state to veto federal university projects, threatens the nation’s research agenda, especially the Excellence Strategy, and could enable a state‑run closure of institutions such as a Max‑Planck institute if an authoritarian party like the AfD took power.

In Bremen, Science Senator Henrike Müller (Alliance 90/The Greens) has proposed repealing the state’s “civil clause,” which bans research with military or defence applications. The move has drawn sharp criticism from coalition partners, including the Left and SPD, who say the clause reflects a vital peace‑mandate for universities. Müller contends the clause is outdated and potentially unconstitutional, but opponents warn that its removal would erode the ethical compass of higher‑education institutions.