Science in danger: Berlin universities are resisting cuts!

Science in danger: Berlin universities are resisting cuts!

Resistance is forming in Berlin against the planned cuts in the science sector. More than 2,000 university members who wrote an open letter to the public warn of the possible consequences of the cuts for science, teaching and academic training in the city. The letter expresses clear concerns about the future viability of Berlin's universities, which are seen as key players in the region's economic development, and will be presented at a rally in front of the Senate Department for Science on Monday, July 14th. Science Senator Ina Czyborra (SPD) will receive the documents, which, among other things, point out the risk that valuable research fields and study programs are at risk and that numerous study places could be lost.

Many of those who signed the letter agree that a weakening of universities would represent a step backwards for the entire urban society. In times of multiple crises such as climate change and threats to democracy, the question arises as to what role universities can play in critical reflection and knowledge production. These aspects are particularly relevant since the black-red government in Berlin is planning savings totaling 250 million euros in the science budget, while the state budget for the coming year even plans cuts of three billion euros.

Planned budget cuts

Science Senator Czyborra has announced that she wants to renegotiate the contracts with Berlin universities in order to take the upcoming cuts into account. In the Science Committee of the House of Representatives, she explained that donations to scientific institutions should increase by five percent annually from 2024. Nevertheless, the question of concrete implementation remains in view of the planned budget savings. MEPs are already raising concerns; CDU MP Adrian Grasse emphasizes the importance of the “Berlin Quantum Alliance” for research and warns of the planned cuts of around six million euros, which will occur despite existing employment contracts.

The financial situation does not only affect research initiatives. The training of teacher training students is also in jeopardy. Czyborra is planning discussions with universities to clarify the need for future teaching graduates from 2,000 to 2,500 per year. Politicians of all stripes have expressed concern about the impact of the cuts, with Tobias Schulze from the Left criticizing the measure as “negligent and irresponsible” as it also impacts jobs and research areas. Green MP Marianne Burkert-Eulitz also called for compliance with existing contracts in order to ensure the planning security of scientific institutions.

The upcoming rally will undoubtedly represent a significant moment in protest against the cuts, bringing the concerned voices of university staff into the public eye. The question remains how the Berlin government will respond to the ongoing concerns and whether it will be possible to avoid the negative effects of the savings.

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