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Universities in focus: future strategies for research and transfer!
The HRK general meeting took place in Magdeburg in May 2025 to make university policy and research fit for the future.
Universities in focus: future strategies for research and transfer!
In May, high-profile representatives of the University Rectors' Conference (HRK) met in Magdeburg for an important exchange on university policy issues. Among the participants was Prof. Dr. Dorit Schumann, the HRK's Vice President for Transfer and Sustainability. Urgent questions regarding the design and financing of research and transfer at universities of applied sciences (HAW) were discussed together. The results and discussions of the general meeting, which meets twice a year, are incorporated into fundamental positions that are addressed to the Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space, Dorothee Bär. Loud Trier University The ideas formulated in these papers are also of interest to the science policy spokespersons of the federal government and the states.
A central concern of Prof. Schumann is the creation of suitable framework conditions for the HAWs in order to strengthen their importance in the German university landscape. This topic will be further discussed as various measures are planned in the coalition agreement of the new federal government. One of the discussions revolves around modifying the ban on cooperation between the federal and state governments, which is loud Research and teaching represents an important turning point for the universities of applied sciences.
Need for action with Open Access
Another topic of great relevance is the introduction of Open Access as a standard for scientific publications. On June 6, 2023, joint federal-state guidelines were presented that aim to make publicly funded research results freely accessible to everyone. In this context, State Secretary Prof. Dr. Sabine Döring, how important it is to avoid the commercialization of scientific publications. It is expected that universities will expand their open access offerings in order to meet these demands.
Education Research Digital reports that the federal-state guidelines also address the promotion of cost transparency in scientific institutions.
In addition to the Open Access guidelines, the Pact for Research and Innovation, which provides for an annual increase of at least 3% from 2021, will also be pursued. According to the plans, some 11 billion euros will be invested in schools, universities and research institutions in the next few years. The focus is not only on financial resources, but also on creating transparency and quality in the education system.
How all this will specifically affect universities remains to be seen. The discussions are not only of academic importance, but also concern the future design of the educational landscape in Germany. It is clear that the HRK's initiative and the support of the new federal government are bringing a breath of fresh air into university policy - a sign that the interests of science are being taken seriously and are investing in the future.