German universities unite to defend democracy at Braunschweig conference
The 67th annual conference of German university chancellors, themed 'Universities - Places of Democracy', will take place on September 18 and 19, 2023, at the Technical University of Braunschweig. The main event aims to strengthen universities as bastions of freedom, responsibility, and resilience in protecting and shaping democracy.
Hosted by Prof. Dr. Angela Ittel, the president of TU Braunschweig, the conference will explore universities' role in maintaining democratic culture and pluralistic exchange. The university, situated in a research-intensive region, offers students opportunities for interdisciplinary research engagement.
University leaders, including those from TU Braunschweig, face pressure from internal and external actors due to geopolitical crises and societal polarization. The Association of Chancellors of German Universities, a central network for university management, represents their interests towards politics, society, and science. Chancellors, as the organizational backbone of universities, lead administration and ensure legal compliance.
The conference, supported by Lower Saxony's Science Minister Falko Mohrs, underscores the importance of universities in fostering open discourse and critical thinking. TU Braunschweig, committed to being an open and international university, combines expertise from various fields to address global challenges. The event is expected to provide valuable insights into universities' role in safeguarding democracy.
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