The government of Turkey issued a decree in August that would strip the Academy of its autonomy by having political bodies appoint most of its members and making its presidency a government-appointed position. The Committee of Concerned Scientists wrote to Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan supporting the action of other science academies in support of the Academy’s autonomy
Read the letter
Learn More
Turkish Science Academy Fights Government Changes, ScienceInsider, September 6, 2011
The model imposed on TÜBA contradicts international consensus, Hurriyet Daily News, September 8, 2011
International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies, National Academy of Sciences
His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Prime Minister
Office of the Prime Minister
Basbakanlik
06573 Ankara, Republic of Turkey
September 15, 2011
Your Excellency:
We are an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world. We write now in concern for recent government action that threatens the independence of the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TUeBA)
In August, the government of Turkey issued a decree that would strip the academy of its autonomy by having political bodies appoint most of its members and making its presidency a government-appointed position. A June decree had already transferred TUeBA to the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology. TUeBA President Yuecel Kanpolat said in an email to the publication ScienceInsider of September 11, 2011, are “destroying the most important aspect of this scientific institution.”
In a letter sent to you on September 6, 2011, the International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies says it’s “deeply distressed” by the decree and asks you to “quickly reverse” it. “Any legitimate, respected national academy is self-governing,” the network writes. The Network’s conclusion that autonomy is essential to the practice and culture of science conforms to our experience as scientists.
Autonomy for the Academy, as provided by Turkey’s government for many years, also conforms to the requirements of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to which Turkey is a signatory. Article 15 provides that: The States Parties to the Covenant undertake to respect the freedom indispensable for scientific research and creative activity. We join our voice in support of our scientific colleagues in respectfully urging your government to reverse this decree and to restore the autonomy of the Turkish science academy.
Sincerely,
Eugene Chudnovsky
Alexander Greer
Joel Lebowitz
Walter Reich
Paul Plotz
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
Copies to:
His Excellency Abdullah Guel
President, Republic of Turkey
Mr. Nihat Erguen
Minister of Science, Industry and Technology