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Published online 6 August 2008 | Nature 454, 679 (2008) | doi:10.1038/454679e

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Germany tinkers with university regulations

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  • Before WWII, Germany used to be the world leader in science research and discovery, particularly in the area of Physics and its related technology. With most top scientists gradually migrating or running away to the US and other European countries, science has been in the downslide ever since. From then on, science in America flourishes, thanks to its ability and willingness to attract and absorb brilliant talents from all over the world. Now Germany is opening its door wide, encouraging state-funded tertiary institutions to entice or retain the best scientists with lucrative incentives and elaborate labs. This is a smart move to ensure a brighter future for science in Germany, if not for the whole world. Perhaps more rich nations would want to follow suit. (Tan Boon Tee)

    • 06 Aug, 2008
    • Posted by: B T Tan

  • there are many problems in germany: 1. only 2,5% of the german GDP goes to resarch&developement 2. crusty academic structures: you must do a habilitation to be an independent, well earning researcher and thats a pretty long and hard way 3. restrictive research conditions f.e. with steam cell issues etc. 4. basic research is getting to much ignored. the gouvernement investigators are mostly keen on fast profit making discoveries

    • 07 Aug, 2008
    • Posted by: Jonas Jabs