Rising Threats Against Scientists in Germany Amid Political Tensions
Recent data reveals an alarming increase in threats against scientists in Germany, particularly in the social and humanities fields. A report from Scicomm-Support highlights over 2,000 instances of intimidation, including death threats and physical assaults. Female researchers are disproportionately targeted, facing personal attacks that undermine their expertise. Prominent cases involve historians and economists speaking out on contentious issues, like the Ukraine war and climate change. The report emphasizes the urgent need for support services for affected scientists as aggressive behavior spreads across disciplines amidst a backdrop of rising polarization.