Hamburg State University Conference calls for commitment to science in view of planned cuts

In view of tight budgets and the threat of cuts, the Hamburg State University Conference (LHK) has demanded that the red-green Senate commit to science. “Financial conditions and pressure for consolidation must not endanger the performance of studies, research and innovation in Hamburg,” warned the joint committee of nine Hamburg universities. The citizen science committee had previously dealt with the draft budget of the science authority.

State University Conference very concerned

The LHK is looking with great concern at the planned financial framework for universities in the double budget for 2027/2028. The universities stand by the goals and achievements recently agreed with the science authority. From the LHK's perspective, however, there is a risk of a gap between these obligations and the financial resources available for them. At individual universities, the effects are already jeopardizing course offerings.

The universities need a clear political commitment to science and a reliable financial framework, said LHK spokeswoman and President of the University of Applied Sciences, Ute Lohrentz. Your deputy and president of the Technical University, Andreas Timm-Giel, warned: If the financing of the universities “is not adequately secured, not only the performance of the universities is at risk, but ultimately also the future viability of Hamburg”.

Long-term sustainable financing path required

The LHK called for a long-term sustainable financing path that takes the actual cost development into account, secures the agreed services and gives the universities planning security. This is the only way to ensure study offerings, research and innovation and to maintain the international competitiveness of Hamburg as a science location.

The Verdi union also criticized the Senate's multi-million dollar cuts. State department head Hilke Stein said: “The consequences of such a short-sighted policy can be clearly seen using the example of the master’s degree program in Nursing and Therapy Sciences, which has now been suspended.” If courses for future nursing teachers were suspended for financial reasons, this would increase the need for skilled workers at nursing schools and ultimately also in nursing itself. “If you want skilled workers, you have to finance education,” said Stein.