Stage I – Discussion open to all university members
October 2020 – July 2021
In 2020/21, the conversion of Leibniz University Hannover into a foundation was discussed comprehensively and intensively. The pros and cons were weighed up on many occasions, and all members of the university were able to exchange insights as well as address insecurities or concerns. Within the scope of meetings open to all university members, LUH received support from experts who shared their experiences with the foundation model.
On 21 July 2021, the University Senate authorised the Presidential Board to negotiate terms for the establishment of a foundation with the Ministry of Science and Culture (MWK).
Stage II – Negotiations with the MWK
August 2021 - July 2022
This process was supported by the Senate and the team in charge of preparing documents for the negotiations and reported on publicly in the Senate meetings.
In a meeting on 15 June 2022, the Senate approved the drafted regulations and statutes for the establishment of a foundation. Moreover, an agreement on safeguarding employee rights during and after the conversion of Leibniz University Hannover into a foundation under public law was concluded with the Staff Council in order to ensure that LUH members of staff would not experience any disadvantages due to this change in legal form. In a meeting on 20 July 2022 and based on these documents, a large majority of the Senate approved the conversion of LUH into a foundation.
Phase III – State government review and conversion into a foundation in accordance with the NHG
August 2022 - December 2022
Following the Senate’s vote, the LUH Presidential Board submitted a corresponding request to the state government. The conversion of LUH into a foundation under public law with legal capacity took effect on 1 January 2024.
