For science – March for Science on 22 April 2017

There is a fundamental responsibility of science beyond discerning and disseminating knowledge about our world: it is to secure the veracity of this information. When, however, scientifically founded facts are repudiated and replaced with “alternative facts”, not only is the integrity of science called into question, but also the very foundations of our society. The constructive discourse in society and political decisions must be based on facts, and not on so-called “alternatives” to facts.

During the world-wide March for Science on 22 April 2017, people from all countries will stand up for the integrity of science as well as the importance of participating in and advancing a fact-based social and political dialogue. The University of Konstanz supports the March for Science and calls upon all to take part in this event. In Baden-Württemberg, official March for Science events will take place in Freiburg, Stuttgart, Heidelberg and Tübingen. For additional information, please visit marchforscience.de.

This event is not only intended for scientists, researchers or academics. Anyone who desires a world where social discourse and political decisions are grounded on established knowledge – and not on untested assumptions and fabricated claims – is invited to take part in the March for Science. The health of our democracy depends on reliable knowledge and those that safeguard it. For this reason, please consider supporting the March for Science on 22 April 2017.

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Ulrich Rüdiger,

Rector of the University of Konstanz