Germany approves reform of Scientific Freedom Act

The German Bundestag's research committee has approved a reform of the Scientific Freedom Act (Wissenschaftsfreiheitsgesetz) aimed at increasing Germany's international competitiveness in science. The reform expands the exemption from the 'betterment prohibition' (Besserstellungsverbot), allowing project-funded non-profit research institutions to pay their researchers more competitively compared to federal employees.

The amendment expands the scope of the law from eleven to fifteen specifically named non-university research institutions. New additions include the Center for the Transformation of Chemistry (CTC gGmbH), the German Center for Astrophysics, the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, and the German Center for Higher Education and Science Studies (DZHW).

By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and eliminating the need for lengthy application processes, the reform seeks to attract and retain top scientific talent. An amendment proposed by the CDU/CSU and SPD factions also allows for the use of European Union funding for these purposes, provided it complies with EU legal regulations. The bill is scheduled for its second and third readings in the Bundestag on September 24, 2026.