University of Reform
Humboldt-Universität was founded by Wilhelm
von Humboldt in 1810 as a reform university. His concept of a
"universitas litterarum," practicing the unity of teaching and research
to provide students with a well-rounded humanist education plan, earned
the University the title "mother of all modern research
universities".
In addition to making scientific history, Humboldt-Universität has
also been a microcosm of German history, beginning in the 19th century
and continuing through the atrocities of the Third Reich and the
university’s role as the most prestigious university in East Germany,
on up to the reunified Germany of today.
After reunification, our university went through an extraordinary
process of reorganization in which more than two thirds of its
professors were replaced and new academic structures were developed.
The university succeeded in attracting outstanding scientists and
scholars from East and West, from Germany and abroad.
The university’s new constitution enabled us to establish a
professional university
presidency and a
kuratorium, or board of trustees, acting as an external supervisory
organ. Our Mission
Statement was developed to guide the presidency’s policies,
including the
12-point-program.
The university introduced a real
quality assurance system covering teaching and study programs as
well as research, administrative services and management. The program
received the German Employers’ Association Prize for Education in
2003.
With our Draft Proposals under the Excellence
Initiative we will continue Humboldt-Universität´s reforms striving
for excellence.