§ 27 BDSG
Data processing for scientific or historical research purposes and for statistical purposes
(1)By way of derogation from Article 9 Subsection (1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, the processing of special categories of personal data within the meaning of Article 9 Subsection (1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 shall also be permissible without the consent of the data subject for scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes, where the processing is necessary for those purposes and the interests of the controller in the processing substantially outweigh the interests of the data subject in the exclusion of the processing. The controller shall provide appropriate and specific measures to safeguard the interests of the data subject pursuant to Section 22 Subsection (2), second sentence.
(2)The rights under Articles 15, 16, 18 and 21 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 shall be limited insofar as those rights are likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the research or statistical purposes and the limitation is necessary for the fulfilment of the research or statistical purposes. The right referred to in Article 15 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 shall also be limited insofar as those data are necessary for the purposes of scientific or historical research and the provision of information would require disproportionate effort. In such cases, the controller shall take appropriate measures to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the data subject pursuant to Article 89 Subsection (1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, including the making available of the information referred to in Article 13 Subsections (1) to (3) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
(3)Where the purpose of the processing of special categories of personal data can also be achieved by processing which does not permit or no longer permits the identification of the data subject, those purposes shall be achieved in this way.
(4)Subsection (1), second sentence, and Subsection (2) shall also apply to processing for archiving purposes in the public interest insofar as this does not conflict with archival law.