At its most recent meeting in Weimar, the General Assembly of the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) set out its position on the current challenges and requirements relating to security-related research and development at universities. In its resolution, it emphasises the vital contribution made by universities to the security and resilience of society and sets out areas where action is needed within universities, as well as recommendations for policymakers at both federal and state level.
The HRK members point out that, against the backdrop of a changing global security landscape, universities contribute in various ways to building and maintaining peace. Universities decide autonomously on the nature and scope of this contribution, based on their own individual profiles.
Prof Dr Georg Krausch, HRK Vice-President for Research and Academic Career Paths, explains:
“Security-related research is not the same as military research and development. Insights from conflict and peace studies, linguistics, history, regional studies, communication and media studies, and theology are indispensable for a comprehensive, evidence-based analysis of security-related developments. It also includes areas such as civil security, social resilience and cybersecurity. German universities can contribute here with their wide range of disciplines and as highly networked hubs within the academic system.
The specific requirements of security-related research and development make it necessary for universities to exchange information with one another and to network with other stakeholders. Increased security requirements may entail technical and infrastructural demands for which many universities are currently not yet prepared, or are only partially prepared. Establishing joint structures could be an effective approach here.
Furthermore, we need funding programmes for security-related research in which universities, as the key players in scientific research and development in Germany, are eligible to apply.”
View text of the resolution
