After World War II, a new public awareness of scientific responsibility developed after the crimes of national socialism and the development of the atomic bomb.
In the 21st century, science is faced with political challenges that are moulded mainly from the industrial dimensions of the scientific system. Large research projects for the investigation of outer space or elementary particles are expensive. Where are the limits of scientific freedom? And who decides about them?
The value of scientific freedom and the necessity of a democratic legitimation must be arbitrated in a free society. A requirement for a sensible discussion is a public awareness of the value and essence of science and the readiness to inform about controversial themes appropriately.