The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine also has consequences for academic collaboration with Russian and Belarusian institutions. The Alliance of German Science Organisations and the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts Baden-Württemberg demand "critically examining and freezing all existing relationships to the Russian Federation and Russian institutions, as long as this is justified from a humanitarian perspective and in accordance with international law" (see press release from the Ministry of Science in German).
The Senate of the University of Konstanz supports these demands. In a special session on 2 March 2022, the Senate decided on the recommendations explained below. All of the recommendations apply to government institutions and businesses from the Russian Federation and Belarus as well as persons from these institutions:
- Research collaborations with institutions in the Russian Federation and Belarus are to be put on ice immediately. This means that existing collaborations will not be cancelled, but no corresponding activities can be conducted for now.
- Until further notice, the university's research funding and project funds should no longer benefit the Russian Federation and Belarus.
- For now, no joint academic and research policy events may take place with institutions from the Russian Federation and Belarus.
- No new project partnerships, joint publications and funding applications may be initiated with institutions from the Russian Federation and Belarus. Funding applications and publications from such institutions and persons may not be reviewed.
- Degree-seeking students and doctoral researchers as well as exchange students from the Russian Federation and Belarus who are currently enrolled or who have already been admitted to the University of Konstanz may keep this status. The Rectorate’s approval is required for new admissions to study and doctoral programmes. The treatment of incoming and outgoing mobility programmes for students, researchers and staff is based on the regulations from the respective funding institutions.
- Existing contracts and contract extensions of students, researchers and other staff with Russian and Belarusian citizenship remain unaffected. The Rectorate decides in case of new contracts.
"It is very painful for the global academic community and for the University of Konstanz that it has become necessary to limit academic exchange with students and researchers from Russia and Belarus", Rector Professor Katharina Holzinger emphasizes. "At the same time, the university fully supports the German government's consistent course of action against the war of aggression on Ukraine, which is in violation of international law".
Please note: Researchers with ongoing collaborative projects with the Russian Federation and Belarus should consult the Research Support team at the university for further advice.
Of course, the university will continue to collaborate with its partners in Ukraine, on exchange programmes as well as research projects. The university supports Ukrainian students and researchers both in Konstanz and Ukraine, especially if they have fled Ukraine or are in danger.