Three Questions for Erasmus Alumnus Patrick Cramer

Professor Cramer, in your inaugural address as President of the Max Planck Society, you emphasised the importance of global connections for science, one of the reasons being that they build bridges that outlive contemporary history. To what extent did your experiences as an Erasmus student at the University of Bristol in the UK shape this view?

Professor Patrick Cramer: To a very large extent. When I arrived in Bristol with my rucksack back in 1992, there were border controls and customs. When I returned to England again in January 1993 after my Christmas break in Germany, everything had changed. The Maastricht Treaty had come into force on 1 January 1993. I was interviewed by a British TV station at the time – I still have videotape – and asked what the situation was like in Europe. In other words, people on the island simply did not feel part of Europe. 

Then there were some very positive developments. The UK was part of the EU and lots of things became easier. When Brexit eventually happened almost three decades later, it made me really sad because I’ve always felt very close to the people on the island since living there, and I visit colleagues and give lectures there at least once a year.

This is what Erasmus does: it provides young people with a new perspective of the world and helps them understand different societies, countries and cultures. These experiences remain with you all your life. They reduce prejudices, broaden horizons and build bridges. My big concern is that the achievements that have been made will be threatened within a generation if there are fewer exchanges between students (and school pupils). People involved in science around the world must remain in touch, even when times are hard. Because when we enter a new age, we are ready to build bridges.

You spent time as a postdoc at Stanford University in California with your family, and you found out for yourself how quickly a period abroad can also become a financial challenge. What should fellowships do to enable early career researchers to gain international experience?

My concern at that time was that the dollar exchange rate suddenly changed to my disadvantage, and it wasn’t until much later that my German grant was adjusted. That meant my young family suddenly had very little money. We had problems paying the rent, and rents were rising rapidly in Silicon Valley at the time – before the new market «bubble» collapsed. 

So fellowships should be able to react as dynamically as possible to situations like that. Plus, it’s not the same everywhere in the US. The cost of living is much higher in Silicon Valley or New York than it is in many other parts of the country. This should also be factored in. It’s also important to remember that childcare outside Germany is usually expensive. Back then, we could only afford it for a few hours. Fellowships should be able to cater to the needs of families. 

But notwithstanding that, the fellowship I received from the German Research Foundation (DFG) at the time was absolutely vital for my career and I’m extremely grateful for it. If I hadn’t gone to Stanford, I would never have been able to raise research in our working group to the level that we have achieved. And without the fellowship, I would not have had the career in science that I have had.

You have argued that the voice of science must be heard in social discourse. How can this be done?

The German Basic Law grants us scientific freedom. This is a very valuable asset. I see it as my duty to use this freedom, also to clearly define the opportunities and risks of research and to allow the voice of science to be heard in current public debates, free of political constraints. We have experts on so many subjects at the Max Planck Society and we can take a stand on so many things. Just think of the ethical, legal and technological implications of artificial intelligence, future energy sources or the migration movements caused by the climate crisis and the related challenges for international law.

I talk to representatives of the media and give interviews. In light of the many crises the world is currently facing, science is also a peace-building tool. It can bring together people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In the Max Planck Society, people from 127 countries around the world carry out research. Their work has the potential to build bridges, even in difficult times. In this respect, you will hear from us again and again. And I hope that at one point or another we will be able to make a difference.