Science Council

The Science Council was established in 1957 by an administrative agreement between the Federal Government and the Länder and has the task of developing recommendations on content and structural development of institutions of higher education, science and research, i.e. of counselling the Federal Government and the Länder on these issues. The topics selected for counselling and recommendation are either based on initiatives by the Science Council or are proposed by the Länder, the Federal Government, the BLK or the KMK. In addition, the Science Council has the task of evaluating research institutions and deciding on the accreditation of newly established private institutions of higher education.

The Science Council is conducting a continuous dialogue with science and politics. Scientists and representatives of public life participate on an equal footing with representatives of the Federal Government and the Länder.

Outstanding statements and recommendations of recent years (examples):

• recommendation on the introduction of new study structures and degrees (bachelor-master) in Germany (2000),
• system evaluation of the Helmholtz Association (2001),
• recommendations regarding the development of universities of applied sciences (2002),
• strategic research funding - recommendations regarding communication, cooperation and competition in the science system (2003),
• recommendations on structures promoting research and teaching at medical schools (2004),
• recommendations regarding the future role of universities in the science system (2006),
• recommendations regarding the expansion of the higher education system in line with labour market and demographic requirements (2006).

Statements and recommendations which are being prepared (examples):

• recommendation regarding the development of agricultural sciences in Germany,
• evaluation of the Federal Government's departmental research,
• recommendations on processes of interaction between science and industry.