Massive budget cuts imposed by the Berlin state government are impacting all areas of the university, forcing Humboldt-Universität to implement many painful measures. These include necessary changes in one of HU’s traditional fields: Archaeology.
In the academic sector alone, HU must achieve structural savings of €8 million over the coming years, in addition to cuts already decided upon in 2024. Of this, €1.5 million falls to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (KSBF). While finalizing these necessary academic savings, the Presidium and Faculty management concluded that the Institute of Archaeology, in its current structure within the KSBF, likely cannot continue in its present form once currently held professorships become vacant starting in the mid-2030s. However, teaching and research in the field of Archaeology will continue to take place at HU in the future.
Consequently, the Presidium of Humboldt-Universität has decided that the concept for a new "Institute of Ancient Studies" (working title) will be developed starting in autumn 2026. This institute is to be established starting in the mid-2030s and, according to current planning, will include up to two professorships designated for Archaeology. Depending on the final conceptual design, additional professorships—for example, from Classical Philology—will be added. The finalized planning for the new institute is subject to approval by the relevant committees of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
HU to continue degree programs in Archaeology
No changes are planned for the 2026/27 academic year; students will continue to be admitted to all degree programs at the Institute of Archaeology. Admissions to Archaeology programs will also continue for the 2027/28 academic year. Furthermore, all students will be guaranteed the opportunity to complete their degrees in an orderly and predictable manner.
The development of an attractive range of courses, to be fully implemented by the mid-2030s at the latest, is part of the restructuring process for Ancient Studies at HU, which begins in autumn 2026.
HU remains a vital driver of the Berliner Antike Kolleg
For research, the Berliner Antike Kolleg (BAK) already provides a sustainable framework in which Berlin's universities have collaborated successfully for years with the University of Potsdam and major non-university institutions, such as the German Archaeological Institute, the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, and the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities. HU will remain a vital driver and source of momentum for the BAK with its subject-specific expertise.
Proximity to museums and collections enhances teaching
Berlin is a unique location for Ancient Studies. In the future, the proximity to museums will be utilized much more intensively for teaching. In conjunction with HU’s "Open Humboldt" strategy—which centers on dialogue and knowledge exchange with society—a unique and forward-looking program can be created. HU’s own collections will also be an essential part of the future Institute of Ancient Studies.
Restructuring is a multilateral process
The Presidium will advocate to the relevant committees of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin for its vision of restructuring Ancient Studies at HU to ensure its future viability and competitiveness within the Berlin scientific and higher education landscape. Should the committees follow the Board’s proposals, the process will begin in autumn 2026, involving partners from the BAK and further external expertise to plan the transition period in detail.
The Presidium and the Faculty will work very closely on the planning and provide transparent information to ensure the transition in a few years is smooth and predictable for both students and staff. The decision to restructure has no impact on existing employment contracts.
This report was updated on March 4.