The re-election for a new term of office, which will begin on December 1, 2020, took place for the first time in a video conference at the HRK General Assembly on November 24, 2020. In total, three new members were elected as members of the HRK Executive Board and two were confirmed in their offices. The German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) is the association of public and government-recognized universities in Germany. The member institutions are represented in the HRK by their executive boards and rectorates.
Working Towards University Autonomy and Academic Freedom Worldwide
As Vice President for International Affairs of the HRK, Professor Scholz-Reiter represents the interests of German universities internationally and supports its members in their internationalization process. During his second term of office, he wants to focus primarily on the principles of university autonomy and academic freedom. According to Scholz-Reiter, these have to be upheld and defended internationally. In some countries, these principles are not taken for granted and under threat. Researchers are unable to teach and research freely or are even persecuted for their work. In Iran, an academic is currently even facing the death penalty. “We, as the HRK, must therefore speak up for people worldwide who cannot openly stand up for their own university autonomy and academic freedom”, says Scholz-Reiter. In the case of the academic in Iran, the HRK is currently campaigning for a repeal of the death sentence against him and his release from prison.
More Information:
www.hrk.de/home
www.uni-bremen.de/en/university/organization/university-executive-board/prof-dr-ing-bernd-scholz-reiter
Contact:
President Professor Bernd Scholz-Reiter
University of Bremen
Phone: +49 421 218-60011
Email: rektorprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de
