Creating good framework conditions for research

Science policy creates the underlying conditions in which can flourish. Together with politics, it therefore ensures that researchers can operate in an optimal manner. On behalf of the federal government in Germany, it is the that is responsible for science policy.

What makes science policy tangible?

• Creating underlying legal and institutional conditions: including the financing of universities, higher education institutions and , scientific and , support for early career scientists and academics, and international cooperation.


• Developing strategies: ensuring the advancement of research and that are important in relation to the future of German science, such as sustainability and artificial intelligence. Science policy also addresses the consequences of the latest technologies, including AI, and elaborates corresponding recommendations.


• Strengthening Germany as a science location: joint research conducted by international academics, scientists and researchers creates jobs and promotes cooperation between science and business.


Which jobs are available in science policy?

Science policy offers various occupations, including:

• Science manager: coordinates research projects, administers funding and assists with strategic planning.


• Policy advisor: advises government agencies and policy makers on academic and scientific topics and funding opportunities.

• Project coordinator: organises research projects in collaboration with universities, higher education institutions and other scientific and academic organisations.


• Analysts: review scientific data and trends, produce reports and recommendations


Science organisations that are involved in joint science policy

A number of German organisations involved in academia, science and research, have combined to form an alliance to advocate science policy. These include the:

•  
• German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst – DAAD)
• Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation)

They cooperate in networks with higher education institutions and companies, promote the transfer of academic and scientific findings from research to business and society, and adopt different approaches to science policy strategies they consider are needed, including in regard to topics like digitisation and Excellence Initiatives.