Dear students and colleagues,
The Presidential Board of Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) severely condemns the Russian regime''s war of aggression against Ukraine. A detailed statement of university management can be found here.
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 of Lower Saxony have since made clear that the scientific system too must take a firm stand against questioning the keeping of peace in Europe. In particular with regard to collaborative relationships with universities and scientific institutions in Russia.
During a meeting held on 2 March 2022, the Presidential Board has decided to suspend all collaborations with Russia for the time being, effective immediately. All activities with Russia, including institutional and strategic connections with Russian institutions, will be abandoned until further notice. This applies to research and teaching activities. All joint visible activities such as workshops, conferences or similar meetings - including virtual ones - will be cancelled. New joint projects will not be commenced.
In particular, this affects the strategic partnership with Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, which includes student exchange within the scope of the double degree programme "International Mechatronics" (mechanical engineering) and the triple degree programme "Energy Technology" (electrical engineering and computer science) in cooperation with Lappeenranta (Finland).
All students enrolled in these double and triple degree programmes can complete their LUH degree - including Russian students currently staying in Saint Petersburg, even if they are unable to leave the country at the moment.
Provided that the security situation permits this, students currently staying in Russia can complete their studies as scheduled. However, LUH will also support them if they decide to discontinue their stay. The International Office and the relevant dean of studies offices provide guidance for LUH students currently staying in Russia or enrolled in the affected LUH programmes.
Furthermore, LUH will suspend any financial transfer activities with educational and research institutions in Russia. LUH members maintaining active collaborations with Russia in receipt of third-party funding are urged to contact the respective funding body. We would like to emphasise that personal contact between researchers from both countries is encouraged and desired to promote peaceful international collaboration.
Until further notice, LUH members are not permitted to conduct business travel to Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, since the safety of travellers cannot be guaranteed. Approval for business travel requests that has already been granted is revoked.
The Presidential Board urges all LUH members to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine and help in any way they can. As an institution, LUH has decided against holding an individual fundraising campaign. The university asks members of staff to support the numerous relief organisations specialising in providing help where it is needed most. A list of ways to help can be found here: go.lu-h.de/hilfe-fuer-ukraine
Students and visiting researchers from Ukraine and Russia are welcome to contact the International Office with any queries (contact details). The International Office provides guidance on all queries, as well as an overview of existing and planned relief programmes.
In addition to this, university management encourages pragmatic and flexible solutions, such as for funding assistant positions in order to secure livelihoods or to support researchers.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Volker Epping
President
