The Science 7 (S7) have issued the Paris Statement on Academy Independence and Academic Freedom. Building on the Ottawa Declaration, signed by the S7 Academies in 2025, the statement reaffirms that protecting the independence of academies, the freedom of scientific inquiry, and the integrity of scientific advice is a permanent imperative. These principles are indispensable to democratic societies and essential to effective international collaboration and the advancement of knowledge.
The statement follows the 2026 S7 Summit, held in Paris, France, in May. The S7 brings together the science academies of the G7 nations to discuss shared priorities and strengthen the role of science in addressing global challenges.
Françoise Baylis (FRSC), President of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC), who represented the RSC at the Paris meeting, said: “Scientific academies must be able to speak independently, offer trusted advice, and bring evidence to bear on the issues that shape our societies. This is not simply a matter of protecting institutions; it is about ensuring that decision-makers and the public have access to knowledge they can trust. Working together internationally, we have an important role to play in upholding these principles.”
Read the Paris Statement on Academy Independence and Academic Freedom >
The Académie des sciences (France), Nationale Akademie der Wissenschaften Leopoldina (Germany), Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei (Italy), Science Council of Japan, Royal Society (UK), National Academy of Sciences (US), and Royal Society of Canada make up the S7.
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Paige Beveridge
Communications Manager
Royal Society of Canada
communications@rsc-src.ca