1995 08 10 Nature - Vol 376 - Steve Nadis

Magazine Overview

This issue of NATURE, dated 10 August 1995, Volume 376, covers significant developments in scientific research funding and academic inquiry. The main cover story details how cash limitations are curbing the Max Planck Society's expansion plans in East Germany, while a secondary headline reports on a panel clearing a Harvard professor involved in studies of 'close encounters' with extraterrestrials.

Cash Limits Curb Max Planck Society's Plans in the East

The lead article reports that the Max Planck Society's (MPS) ambitious plans to establish a full complement of research institutes in East Germany by the end of the century are likely to be delayed due to funding shortfalls. The federal government's promise of a five per cent annual grant increase is effectively only half of what was expected, leaving the MPS with a deficit of DM200 million (US$143 million) for its expansion goals. The MPS had aimed to increase its number of research institutes in the new Länder from ten to between 15 and 18 by the year 2000, seeking regional balance with West Germany.

While the MPS funding is shared equally between federal and Länder governments, the organization typically argues for establishing institutes where academic strengths exist. However, an exception was made post-reunification to foster a strong research environment in the East. The MPS was initially criticized for its slow progress, as it chose to establish new research areas rather than simply taking over former East German Academy of Sciences institutes. They focused on complementing existing activities and collaborating with local universities.

The current funding issue stems from the government's reluctance to agree to the renewal of the 'five-by-five' agreement, which guaranteed a five per cent annual funding increase for the MPS and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) from 1991 to 1995. Although the federal finance ministry has agreed to a five per cent increase for both organizations for the next year and plans for the following three years, the MPS believes it has been short-changed. According to Wolfgang Hasenclever, general secretary of the MPS, the government's calculation excluded money allocated for social sciences centres, which will be taken over by universities next year. The MPS argues this sum should be part of their basic budget, but the research ministry disagrees.

The government acknowledges the MPS's need for new buildings but has not offered additional infrastructure funds for next year. While DM7 million is provisionally included for 1997 and 1998, this amount is only one-third of what the MPS had planned for building work during those years and will be subject to renegotiation.

Despite the challenges, Hasenclever notes that Germany is one of the few countries increasing research budgets. The MPS is accepting the situation, though reluctantly. The delay might not be as critical as claimed, as the MPS has itself faced difficulties in recruiting scientific directors for its new institutes in the East. Of the ten institutes founded, only three have their full complement of directors. Hasenclever cites poor social conditions, particularly schooling, as a deterrent, emphasizing the need for individuals with a 'pioneering spirit'.

Separately, Hubert Markl, a zoologist at the University of Constance, has been confirmed as the new president of the Max Planck Society, succeeding Hans Zacher. Markl has prior experience in research policy, including a term as DFG president.

Panel Clears Professor Involved in Studies of 'Close Encounters'

In Boston, Harvard University has announced it will not take disciplinary action against John Mack, a professor of psychiatry at its medical school, who has been conducting studies on individuals claiming to have been abducted by extraterrestrial beings. The university's decision follows a year-long investigation prompted by Mack's book, "Abduction: Human Encounters with Aliens."

Anne Taylor, counsel for Harvard, stated that the process is over and John Mack remains in good standing as a faculty member. The existence of a review committee, appointed by Daniel Tosteson, dean of the medical school, had been kept secret until the inquiry concluded. The committee was chaired by Arnold Relman, professor emeritus at the medical school and former editor of the New England Journal of Medicine.

The committee's mandate was to examine the "clinical care and clinical investigation" Mack conducted with individuals claiming abduction by UFOs. Concerns had been raised about whether Mack was treating patients or merely studying them, and whether he had obtained the necessary formal permission for research on human subjects.

Keren McGinty, a spokesperson for the medical school, conveyed that Tosteson had cautioned Mack to be careful not to violate high standards for clinical practice and investigation. Critics had feared that Mack's academic liberties might be compromised, but Tosteson confirmed that Mack is free to study and state his conclusions without impediment.

While Mack's academic freedom has been upheld, the university's decision serves as a public notice that his work must adhere to stringent standards of scholarship and medical practice. Neither Mack nor his lawyer, Eric MacLeish, have commented on the university's review process or its outcome.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue highlights the tension between scientific ambition and financial realities, particularly in the context of post-reunification Germany. The Max Planck Society's struggle for adequate funding underscores the challenges of expanding research infrastructure. Simultaneously, the case of John Mack at Harvard addresses the boundaries of academic freedom in controversial fields like UFO research, emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific and ethical standards. The editorial stance appears to support academic inquiry while upholding institutional integrity and scientific methodology.