Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
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Science needs freedom

Freedom is the foundation of scientific work. Without it, there can be no independent research or social progress. But this freedom is coming under pressure worldwide. Political influence, demands for the cancellation of unwelcome events and international tensions pose growing challenges for scientists and universities.

A cooperation between Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the SCRIPTS Cluster of Excellence.

Academic freedom is not a matter of course

Academic freedom is not a privilege. As can be observed worldwide, it is also not a matter of course. However, it is the prerequisite for universities to remain what they should be: Places of knowledge, innovation - and contradiction. Only free science can answer the big questions of our time.

We provide insights into current debates, shed light on legal, political and ethical dimensions and offer academics from both universities a platform to make their professional perspectives and expertise visible. The aim is to make academic freedom tangible - for researchers, students and anyone who wants to help shape science. Freie Universität and Humboldt-Universität stand for a strong, open academic system that is based on autonomy, responsibility and critical discourse.

In Germany, freedom of science and research is enshrined in the Basic Law and protected as a fundamental right. It knows no boundaries apart from fundamental constitutional values. We can see how important this is from current developments in the USA and elsewhere. Anyone who wants to advance society and the economy through research and new findings must be able to work freely. The freedom of science and the fundamental values of the constitution are high values that we at Humboldt-Universität stand up for and defend.

Julia von Blumenthal

President of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Julia von Blumenthal

Julia von Blumenthal

President of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Societies develop most strongly and perform best when people are able to develop their potential and talents freely, independently and reflectively. The basis for this is that independent information and broad scientific expertise are available to them. Freedom of science is therefore a basic prerequisite for innovative, self-effective co-operation - and for democracy.

Günther M. Ziegler

President of Freie Universität Berlin
Günter Matthias Ziegler

Günther M. Ziegler

President of Freie Universität Berlin

History obliges

The history of our two universities is closely linked to issues of democracy, responsibility and international cooperation - and makes the topic of academic freedom particularly relevant for our academic communities. Freie Universität Berlin was founded in 1948 by professors and students in response to the persecution of students critical of the system at Unter den Linden University in what was then the Soviet sector of divided Berlin. Since its foundation, Freie Universität has seen itself as a place of open exchange and critical reflection. The Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - founded in 1809 as Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität and renamed Humboldt-Universität in 1949 - was founded with the aim of thinking science in terms of social responsibility - and acting as a creative force for the future.

(Founding) history is an obligation - especially today, at a time when academic freedom is coming under pressure: due to political expectations, debates about so-called "cancel culture", international dependencies or economic influence. With the joint thematic focus "Academic Freedom", we want to inform, sensitise and strengthen the discourse. What does academic freedom mean today - both individually and institutionally? Where are its limits, where is it under threat? And what responsibility does science itself bear?

Voices on academic freedom

Results 1 to 8 of 17
Eine Gruppe von Menschen in formeller Kleidung posiert im Hof vor einem Gebäude mit Bäumen und einer Holz-Pferd-Skulptur.
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International

The Circle U. General Assembly has re-elected HU President Prof. Dr Julia von Blumenthal as President of the European university alliance. The meeting at the University of Belgrade also addressed the tense political situation in Serbia.
Two people are holding documents in pink folders. They are sitting at a table in an office.
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International

Humboldt-Universität is expanding its European collaboration in the humanities and social sciences: with Campus Condorcet, it is gaining one of France’s most important research networks as a partner.
Five people are sitting on a stage, discussing something in front of a screen displaying their names.
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International
Open Humboldt
Berlin University Alliance

As part of Academic Freedom Week, experts took part in a panel discussion on threats to academic freedom and the responsibility and resilience of European universities.
The silhouette of a woman is holding a microphone and a sheet of paper in front of a projection displaying the words "ACADEMIC FREEDOM".
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International
Open Humboldt
Berlin University Alliance

Action week from 18 to 22 May focusing on protection, networks and the (re)construction of academic spaces for researchers and artists at risk, featuring workshops, discussion panels and exchanges on experiences with protection programmes for…
A yellow suitcase, a blue rucksack and a grey bag on a train station platform, with a blue train in the background.
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Berlin University Alliance

From leaving his homeland to making a fresh start in Berlin: a visiting scholar from Saint Petersburg talks about his journey to Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the challenges of life in exile, and why academic freedom is indispensable to him.
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International

The raid on the University of Belgrade’s rectorate on 31 March by the Serbian police threatens the university’s independence as an institution. The Executive Board of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin condemns the actions of the authorities in Serbia.
The silhouette of a woman is holding a microphone and a sheet of paper in front of a projection displaying the words "ACADEMIC FREEDOM".
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International
Open Humboldt

In an uncertain global climate, the protection of academic freedom is becoming increasingly important. From 18 to 22 May, Academic Freedom Week will focus on the protection and (re)construction of academic spaces, networks and knowledge production.
academic_freedom_week_closing_senatssaal_02.04.2025_stefan_klenke-4036
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International
Open Humboldt

In an uncertain global context, the protection of academic freedom is becoming increasingly important. From 18–22 May, the Academic Freedom Week will focus on the protection and (re)construction of academic spaces, networks and knowledge production.

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Das Bild zeigt eine futuristische Darstellung der Stadt Berlin mit verschiedenen Elementen, die Technologie und Innovation symbolisieren. Im Vordergrund ist die Spree zu sehen, die durch die Stadt fließt. Auf dem Fluss sind mehrere transparente Kugeln zu erkennen, die farbige, strukturierte Muster enthalten. Diese Kugeln könnten als Symbol für molekulare Strukturen oder Datenvisualisierungen interpretiert werden.

Berlin University Alliance

Together with three other Berlin universities, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin forms the Berlin University Alliance. Its aim is to promote cutting-edge research and strengthen Berlin as an international centre of science.

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Research projects

In addition to research in the faculties and institutes, third-party funded projects are the main focus. More than 10,000 projects, researchers and co-operation partners of Humboldt-Universität can be researched in the research information system.

Eine Frau erklärt Besucher*innen während der Ausstellung ein Ausstellungstück und seine Funktionsweise.

Sharing knowledge with society

Humboldt-Universität sees the "Third Mission" as an integral part of its self-image and its responsibility towards society. Research and teaching are conceived and practised in dialogue with society.