The presidents of the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) and the State Rectors’ Conference (LRK) of Saxony-Anhalt, Dr. Walter Rosenthal and Dr. Folker Roland, commented on the results of yesterday’s Landtag election in Saxony-Anhalt in a joint statement:
“The people of Saxony-Anhalt have elected a new Landtag. Now, the onus is on all elected representatives to make possible a capable government on the basis of democracy and the rule of law. Universities within the state expect reliability and a clear perspective of science policy from the future state government. Academic freedom, artistic freedom and the autonomy of universities must not be pulled into day-to-day political disputes. Strategic advancement of the state as a hub of research and innovation on the basis of existing target agreements and the financing agreed therein is necessary. International students and researchers must remain welcome in Saxony-Anhalt and protected against discrimination. Decisions with regard to science policy must continue to be guided by professional quality.”
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) views the result of the state election in Saxony-Anhalt with concern. The DAAD expects a future state government to protect academic freedom and to maintain and promote openness to the world and a welcoming culture at universities.
“We view the result of the state election in Saxony-Anhalt with great concern. In this situation, our focus as the DAAD is particularly on the situation of our member universities and student unions, as well as on the international students and doctoral candidates there,” said DAAD President Prof. Dr Joybrato Mukherjee.
“The universities in the state are attractive places to study and work for students and researchers from all over the world, and every day they stand for openness to the world and a genuine culture of welcome. We expect a future state government to respect university autonomy and academic freedom. Furthermore, the universities must be able to continue to rely on the support of the state government in their efforts to promote global academic exchange and international scientific cooperation, as well as in attracting future skilled workers.”
The universities in Saxony-Anhalt are key drivers of innovation and scientific progress, and international students and PhD candidates contribute to their performance. Furthermore, international graduates from the universities are indispensable for securing a skilled workforce in many sectors. The principle here is: “Anyone who wants to attract young talent and retain them in the state after they graduate must ensure that they feel welcome and valued. We expect the future state government to support the universities in this endeavour,” said Mukherjee.
Original press release here.
Published: 7 September 2026
The State Rectors’ Conference of Saxony-Anhalt condemns the attacks and violence committed in Iran.
In its session on 9 November, the Academic Senate of Harz University of Applied Sciences endorsed the statement by the State Rectors’ Conference of Saxony-Anhalt concerning the human rights violations in Iran.
The State Rectors’ Conference (LRK) of the universities in Saxony-Anhalt condemns the attacks and violence in Iran and declares its solidarity with the Iranian people, in particular those affiliated with Iranian universities, in their commitment to human rights and especially the rights of women. The LRK calls on all parties to abstain from violence.
The LRK is deeply concerned by the violations of human rights in Iran, which also affect researchers, instructors and students. The LRK endorses the assessments by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK), and condemns the violent actions committed against peaceful demonstrators, in particular the closing of universities.
This undivided solidarity applies to all the people of Iran who are working toward human rights and academic freedom. Those civil movements that stand for individual and societal rights to freedom in Iran and peaceful coexistence among the states and cultures in the region must be supported.
433 students from Iran currently attend universities in Saxony-Anhalt.
Published: 9 November 2022
The State Rectors’ Conference of Saxony-Anhalt strongly condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The universities within our statewide network showed solidarity with Ukraine immediately after troops of the Russian Federation entered Ukraine, and have expressed their individual perspectives in official statements.
STAND WITH UKRAINE
The universities within the State Rectors’ Conference stand with the people of Ukraine and their respective partner universities, and support their Ukrainian students, guest lecturers, visiting researchers and instructors. Over the coming weeks and months, we will work with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the Federal Foreign Office and the European Union to find ways to continue study programmes and research projects.
Our network consists of universities and higher education institutions with a range of profiles, strengths, alignments, traditions, regional partnerships, needs and goals. Yet we are united in our common support for the European spirit of free and peaceful coexistence among all people.
Published: 5 August 2022
The mission statement of Harz University of Applied Sciences consists of several pillars. Together, they comprise both strategic goals and shared values.
Harz University of Applied Sciences aims to become one of the leading universities in Germany and thus makes quality of studies the highest priority. As a scientific institution, we focus on applied sciences with the aim to optimise our teachings with up to date contents. A high degree of motivation and power of innovation are central values in all areas.
Harz University of Applied Sciences is an inclusive educational institution with close ties to the region. The school’s cosmopolitan mindset and international alignment contributes to tolerance and mutual respect.
Harz University of Applied Sciences actively drives social responsibility and supports equal opportunity, sustainable development and integration of minorities/disadvantaged.
