German University Chancellors to Discuss Universities' Role in Democracy
The Association of University Chancellors in Germany is set to host its 67th annual conference on September 18 and 19, 2023, focusing on 'Universities - Places of Democracy'. The event aims to explore the role of universities in maintaining democratic culture and pluralistic exchange amidst current challenges.
The conference will delve into the importance of democratic processes as framework conditions for universities, with a particular focus on the role of chancellors. University leaders, including Dietmar Smyrek, full-time vice-president of TU Braunschweig, will discuss the pressures they face from students, staff, political actors, and societal interest groups in upholding democratic values.
TU Braunschweig, located in the heart of Europe's most research-intensive region, fosters an interdisciplinary ecosystem with research institutions, municipal bodies, and major industrial companies. The university, committed to being open and international, combines expertise from various disciplines to find sustainable solutions to global challenges. Lower Saxony's Science Minister Falko Mohrs supports strengthening universities with a modern university law that enables more autonomy and self-responsibility.
The conference, chaired by the Technical University of Braunschweig, seeks to examine the role of universities in preserving democratic culture and pluralistic exchange. By exploring the pressures on university leaders and the need for more autonomy, the event aims to create a more resilient and responsible academic environment.
