First Nature Index Germany published | Max-Planck-Gesellschaft https://www.mpg.de/16091081/first-nature-index-germany
Germany retains its position as one of the world’s research giants according to the first Nature Index Germany compiled by Nature Research. The journal cites strong steady science funding as well as long-term investment in basic research as the key to the country’s success. However, a lack of diversity and slow adaptation to contemporary research directions could challenge Germany’s prolific research record going forward. In 2020, women accounted for just 19.4% of senior academic staff and the proportion of female start-up founders in Germany was just 15.4%. Against this background, the article about Max Planck Vice President Asifa Akhtar makes for particularly pertinent reading (https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03321-1). However, the analysis also shows how the Clusters of Excellence have helped attract international researchers to the country.
Society, followed by the Helmholtz Association of German