After four semesters impacted by Covid-19, in which studying and teaching had to take place predominantly in digital form, the Senate of the HRK welcomed the prospect of being able to hold classes largely in person again in the summer semester of 2022 at its meeting. At the same time, it emphatically pointed out that in-person classes must be conducted as far as possible without endangering students and teachers.

The members of the Senate of the HRK have expressed extreme concern about the current situation in Ukraine and the effects of the war on universities there and on students and researchers in the country. They held a discussion, in particular on how to deal with refugees.

The Senate of the HRK adopted recommendations on digitalisation in teacher education. They include guidance for studies in individual academic disciplines, didactics and educational sciences, as well as on the changing needs of universities. HRK President Peter-André Alt commented: "We see every day that a knowledge of how digital media work is indispensable to life in the digital world and essential for a stable democracy. This needs to be learned and practised – and school plays an essential role in this."

The DAAD and the HRK appeal to the Federal Government: a support programme for German universities to accept and support Ukrainian students and researchers must be launched now. "Three weeks after the start of the Russian war of aggression, the situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate. As the fighting continues, the refugee numbers predicted by the European Union of up to seven million people become increasingly likely. German universities therefore need immediate support to massively expand their existing commitment to the integration of Ukrainian students and researchers," said DAAD President Prof Dr Joybrato Mukherjee.

In view of the Russian attack on Ukraine, the Presidents of the HRK and the DAAD, Peter-André Alt and Joybrato Mukherjee, appealed to the members of German universities to stand up together for openness and tolerance: "Universities are places where xenophobia, nationalism and exclusion have no place, even in times of international conflict. Different perspectives, diversity of opinion and international exchange are the foundations of research and teaching activities at our universities."

The Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany has issued a statement condemning the Russian attack on Ukraine and expressing solidarity with its Ukrainian partners. The organisations are determined to continue pursuing their respective contacts and close cooperation with Ukrainian partners at all levels. And they state that the Russian invasion threatens fundamental values and also has consequences for academic freedom and for academic cooperation with Russian partners.