Transparency in research

With its results, research makes an essential contribution to the standard of human coexistence. On the one hand, such scientific and knowledge transfer requires the exchange of information as well as the publication and discussion of research results, but on the other hand it also requires protection against misuse (dual use research of concern).

Particularly against the background of the freedom of research guaranteed by fundamental rights and the associated research ethics issues, Osnabrück University has committed itself to

  • on the one hand, to create transparency about the research carried out at the university, while respecting the protection of confidence, and
  • on the other hand, to limit any risks that could arise from the use of research results.

Osnabrück University therefore regularly provides information on ongoing externally funded research projects in accordance with national guidelines.

Lower Saxony guidelines

Research results primarily serve to expand scientific knowledge itself. In some cases, however, knowledge can be used to cause harm. A joint working group of the Lower Saxony  Ministry of Science and Culture (MWK, only in German) and the  Lower Saxony Conference of Higher Education Institutions (LHK, only in German) has adopted  "Guidelines on Transparency in Research (only in German)" to prevent the risk of misuse of research results.

 to the topic

Research ethics

The German Research Foundation (DFG) and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina have analyzed the tension between "freedom of research and responsibility" across disciplines and formulated recommendations for dealing with security-relevant research. Osnabrück University is following their recommendation to develop ethical rules at research institutions that go beyond legal regulations and to implement them through a special committee for research ethics.

 to the topic (only in German)

Animals in research and teaching

At Osnabrück University, scientists in the School of Biology/Chemistry conduct research on various issues, including those of medical relevance. Despite progress in the field of alternative methods to supplement or replace animals, animals are kept at Osnabrück University, particularly in basic research, in order to investigate and understand complex mechanisms in living organisms.

 to the topic