Alzheimer's researcher from Icking strongly criticizes Trump's Harvard policy!

Alzheimer's researcher from Icking strongly criticizes Trump's Harvard policy!

Professor Christian Haass, a respected Alzheimer's researcher from Icking, speaks out in the current discussion about US science policy. The 64-year-old criticizes US President Donald Trump's planned measures that will affect foreign students studying at Harvard. Haass, who himself worked at the renowned university between 1990 and 1995, sees the intended rejection of international students as a dangerous step and describes the approach as typical of “brainless dictators”. Merkur

Trump plans to force Harvard University to deny admission to foreign students. This decision could mean that already enrolled international students have to save their right of residence in search of new universities. Haass fears that such measures could quickly trigger an exodus of outstanding scientists from the USA. This fear is only reinforced by current policies that potentially isolate the United States as a leading nation in research.

Political reactions from Germany

German politicians are reacting with alarm to this development. The Department of Homeland Security in the USA has already withdrawn Harvard's permission to accept international students, which has met with sharp criticism from both the federal government and academics. The focus is on the importance of academic freedom and international exchange. A spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry emphasizes that a significant number of German students will be affected and is examining the far-reaching consequences of this decision. Former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach describes the ban as “research policy suicide” and expresses his sympathy for those affected. Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär is horrified and hopes that this drastic measure will be reversed. Thomas Jarzombek, Parliamentary State Secretary in the Digital Ministry, promotes German universities as an alternative destination for students. ZDF

However, the problem goes beyond the students. The decision is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration against numerous renowned scientific institutions in the USA. There are also strong reactions to these restrictions in China, as they want to defend the rights of their own students abroad.

Research and dementia: Another important topic

While the discussion about scientific freedom and international exchange casts its shadow, research in the field of dementia continues tirelessly. The German Alzheimer Society (DAlzG) actively supports scientific research in this area. A funding opportunity is advertised every two years and will now be awarded again at the beginning of 2026. The “Dementia and Research” working group is currently led as part of the PraWiDem project, which meets monthly to discuss new research questions. The aim of this initiative is to include people with dementia in future research projects and to collect current expert knowledge. Those interested can find out more about application modalities and funding on the DAlzG website. German Alzheimer Society

In summary, science in Germany and worldwide is facing enormous challenges. The conflict over academic freedoms in the United States raises questions that extend far beyond the borders of the United States. Professor Haass and many others emphasize the importance of research and academic freedom and call for international dialogue to prevent future isolationist tendencies.