The situation of the universities against the background of sharply rising infection figures was discussed by the General Assembly of the HRK. Above all, it called for consideration of the issues specific to universities and sufficient scope for flexible regulations adapted to the situation at the respective locations. A clear legal framework is necessary; on the other hand, it is counter-productive and superfluous to include automatic mechanisms, including university closures, in the Infection Protection Act.

The signals from the coalition negotiations at the federal level indicate that the future governing coalition is genuinely concerned about promoting science and, in particular, universities. This is the impression of the General Assembly of the HRK. "Although the final agreement still has to confirm this, it is very encouraging overall and deserves great recognition," said HRK President Peter-André Alt. "Investments in research and development as defined by the 3.5 percent target are essential factors for Germany's future viability."

Seven vice-presidents of the HRK were newly elected or re-elected by the HRK General Assembly for two-year terms starting on 1 December 2021. According to HRK Rules of Procedure, the terms of office of all vice-presidents expire at the end of November following a presidential election. These elections were due after the re-election of President Professor Dr Peter-André Alt in April. Two positions were added to the Executive Board due to the amendment to the Rules of Procedure in June 2021.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the HRK have been promoting the development of the higher education sector in the Global South in the Dialogue on Innovative Higher Education Strategies (DIES) programme for 20 years. Financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), over €40 million have been allocated to participating universities so far.

Supporting universities in the further development of their internationalisation is the goal of the new project "HRK ADVANCE - Optimising Governance and Processes of Internationalisation." After initial preparatory work, the official kick-off will take place at a digital launch event on 8 December. The project, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) until the end of 2024 and has been set up at the HRK, is centred around concrete organisational and legal issues at institutional and system level. German universities are the main target group. However, the project is also directed at key political actors at federal and state levels.

The political responsibility of universities and science towards democratic culture was the focus of a transatlantic online symposium jointly hosted last week by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, DFG, the HRK and Thomas Mann House. The event is intended to be a prelude to deepen German-American exchange on the supporting role of universities in democratic systems.