Le accademie delle scienze dei Paesi appartenenti al G7 hanno approvato il “Paris Statement on Academy Independence and Academic Freedom”, un importante documento che riafferma che l’autonomia delle istituzioni scientifiche e la libertà della ricerca sono valori fondamentali delle società democratiche, essenziali per difendere l’integrità della scienza dalle influenze esterne.
Paris Statement
on Academy independence and academic freedom
The principles delineated in the 2025 Ottawa Declaration continue to be of fundamental importance. The viability of scientific progress, international co-operation, and the credibility of scientific advice are contingent upon the establishment of conditions that enable researchers and academies to operate with independence, autonomy, integrity, transparency, and a sense of responsibility in the service of the public good.
In 2026, the Science 7 (S7), which brings together the science academies of the G7 countries, convened a session on academy independence and academic freedom following the proposal initiated by the Science Council of Japan. The session served as a significant platform for academy representatives to participate in a dynamic and constructive exchange of viewpoints.
The discussions underscored that legal status alone does not determine the independence of aca-demies. The quality of this process is influenced by governance arrangements, funding structures, and the practical ability to identify priorities, organise deliberation, and communicate advice without undue interference. Independence must be coupled with the ability to address matters of social significance in ways that demonstrate relevance and foster credibility.
Participants further noted that institutional autonomy and academic freedom are sustained through robust internal practices. Such practices include rigorous review, diversity of expertise and perspective, and clear distinctions between consensus positions and discussion-oriented outputs. In complex and contested areas, academies have been shown to contribute to the betterment of society by providing clarity on evidence, uncertainties, and potential courses of action through the application of scientific rigour and intellectual honesty.
The discussions in Paris confirmed that safeguarding the independence of academies, the freedom of scientific inquiry, and the integrity of scientific advice remains a permanent imperative and under-taking. In a shifting global landscape, these conditions are indispensable for democratic societies. They are crucial for effective international collaboration, and the advancement of knowledge in support of the public good.
In allegato il testo in formato pdf