In front of more than 650 guests from academia, politics and city society, she spoke about setting strategic courses and the permanent crisis mode resulting from the pandemic, Ukraine war and terror attack by Hamas, as well as about future higher education policy challenges.
First of all, Mayor Dr Stephan Keller congratulated HHU on its anniversary this year and honoured the close links between the city and the University. “At a time when scientific findings can be openly denied and in which populist politicians in Germany or those who govern allied countries can openly state untruths without fear of consequences, we need this bastion of research and knowledge transfer in our city more than ever. We must defend the freedom of science and respect for scientific findings.”
In her speech, Professor Steinbeck noted that the positioning of HHU as a “Citizens’ University” (“Bürgeruniversität”) with the goal of creating closer links between science, society and decision-makers has proven foresighted. “Science will only gain trust and acceptance when it explains what it does,” said the President. Scientists are actively seeking dialogue with interested individuals in a wide range of formats and inviting them to join in the debate. This is all the more important in times of “alternative facts” and “fake news”. In this context, the President made reference to the HHU initiative of ending its activities on the platform X (formerly Twitter) in a coordinated action with other institutions. Dialogue will be expanded on other channels. “Well over 60 universities and scientific organisations have followed our initiative. In the days after our announcement, the German Research Foundation, the German Council of Science and Humanities, the German Academic Exchange Service, the Leibniz Association and several Federal Ministries also left the platform X.”
The second term of office was characterised by crisis management. First of all, the COVID-19 pandemic: Professor Steinbeck remembered the challenges, including the switch to online teaching and exams, the development of hygiene concepts for in-person events and the implementation of the 3G controls. “All in all, we got through this period well, even though it demanded a lot of us all.”
The latest global political developments such as the war in Ukraine or the Hamas terror attack on Israel and subsequent escalation in the Middle East have had a direct impact on the University and campus. “There have been no innocent sentences since then. Every remark, even every silence, is politically charged. People are being forced to take up a position, moral ambivalence is largely negated.”
Dealing with anti-Semitism and discrimination is a particular challenge for higher education institutions: “We emphasise again and again: Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and racism in all forms have no place on the campus. We must defend our values and principles, even if we cannot stop everyone crossing the line,” explained the President. “A discrimination-free space can only be achieved if everyone works together.”
The President criticised the planned NRW “Hochschulstärkungsgesetz” (act aimed at strengthening the powers of higher education institutions) which, in her opinion, puts the autonomy of universities at risk. In particular, the introduction of a new “Hochschulsicherheitsrecht” (law aimed at improving security at higher education institutions), which would obligate universities to impose severe sanctions such as revoking the right to lecture or pay cuts without due legal process, is something that the legal expert views critically.
Despite all the difficulties, the President remains confident. “HHU offers its students very good conditions and an excellent education.” And their study satisfaction levels are above average, as confirmed every year by the most prestigious German university ranking index –the CHE University Ranking. The Faculty of Law and the subject of Psychology regularly rank in the top group and are number one in NRW. The situation is similar for the master’s study programmes in Economics and Business Administration, Political Science, Biology and Dentistry. The Medicine study programme is praised above all for the high practical relevance of its pre-clinical phase. “We will continue to align our offers to the needs of students.”
A so-called “Heine Year” is being introduced at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. “This two-semester orientation programme will introduce school leavers to a range of subjects in the areas of humanities and cultural/social sciences to enable them to make an informed choice about what to study.”
In the area of research, the focus is on May, when the decision is due to be taken about whether the CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence will continue to receive funding. At the same time, new key research areas in artificial intelligence and sustainability are set to be established.
At the end of her speech, the President invited those present to celebrate. HHU is marking its 60th anniversary with around 60 events, including a concert by the university orchestra and participation in the Carnival Monday parade with a float designed by Jacques Tilly. “We have some great things to look forward to!”
Link to special publication of Rheinische Post marking the 60th anniversary
