Dear students and colleagues,
Deeply distressing pictures from Ukraine reach us on a daily basis. The university management of Leibniz University Hannover condemns this blatant violation of international law through Putin''s government, as well as this unjustifiable war. We already published our position on this last Thursday. Scientific institutions such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) or the Minister of Science and Culture have since pointed out that the scientific system too must contribute towards taking a firm stand against questioning the keeping of peace in Europe, in particular with regard to cooperation relationships with universities and scientific facilities in Russia. In this context, please also refer to the following statement by Björn Thümler, Minister of Science and Culture (only available in German): https://go.lu-h.de/OeOr4
We are aware that you have many questions regarding the specific impact of this crisis on LUH and therefore on affected students, members of teaching staff and researchers working at LUH. For this reason, university management would like to invite you to an information and exchange event (approximately one and a half hours), where we will
- once again explain LUH''s position and
- answer your questions on the further course of action as best we can (e.g. research and teaching collaborations with Russia, possible ways of supporting Ukrainian students and researchers)
I would like to emphasise that this is an act of war initiated by the Russian regime, not by the Russian people. Leibniz University Hannover thrives on the diversity of nationalities at our university and provides a home to all of us - without exception! This university thrives on discourse and respect. I therefore urge all students and university members to keep respecting each other, even in difficult times.
I look forward to your participation on
Wednesday 2 March between 16.00 and 17.30
Please find the Webex access data in the staff portal.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Volker Epping
President
