The article addresses the increasing debate surrounding the protection of universities from sabotage and espionage. It highlights the urgency for educational institutions to sharpen their focus on specific threats and the responsibilities they face to safeguard their operations. The recent paper from the Scientific Council titled 'Science in Germany - Perspectives until 2040' proposes four potential future scenarios that inform these considerations. However, the article argues that the current discussions operate primarily from the logic of the academic system rather than acknowledging external threats, particularly war and national defense.

The central premise of the discourse suggests that while advocating for freedom, autonomy, and financial security within academia is essential, such efforts become futile if the fundamental conditions for conducting scientific inquiry—namely, peaceful and secure operating environments—are no longer assured. The article stresses that the Scientific Council's approach, which focuses predominantly on internal academic perspectives, overlooks the critical implications of external geopolitical events that directly influence the operational capacity of universities. As such, it calls for a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the interplay between educational integrity and national security.

Ultimately, the article serves as a call to action for policymakers and academic leaders to reassess their strategies and frameworks regarding research security. It emphasizes that the challenges posed by contemporary threats necessitate a proactive stance in reinforcing the defenses of academic institutions. By acknowledging the broader context of international relations and defense, universities can better prepare themselves to face evolving risks, thereby ensuring their vital role in societal advancement and knowledge production is safeguarded in the long term.