University condemns attack on Ukraine   [25.02.22]

The University of Hohenheim management is horrified by the war in Eastern Europe. "Ukraine is a sovereign state. There is absolutely no justification for the attack,” stated Prof. Dr. Stephan Dabbert, President of the University of Hohenheim. "We are greatly concerned for the people of Ukraine who are suffering - especially those in higher education with whom we are in direct contact."

 

"We also stand in solidarity with our students and employees with Ukrainian roots," added the Vice President for International Affairs, Prof. Dr. Andreas Pyka. "They and their families are going through hard times. We are looking for ways to assist them to the best of our ability."

As a university open to the world, the University of Hohenheim is committed to the fundamental values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. "We are a community that seeks responsible solutions to problems based on scientific knowledge," emphasized Prof. Dr. Dabbert. The prerequisite for this is a peaceful and free exchange of people and ideas, including across borders. "That's what we're committed to, in science as well as in the way people live together all over the world."

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12 young people from Ukraine are currently studying at the University of Hohenheim - together with 19 Russian fellow students. “None of these students are to blame for the conflict, and they work and live together," Prof. Dr. Pyka stated. "We can only hope that this war will come to an end as soon as possible."

The German Rectors' Conference and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) also expressed their horror at the invasion of the Russian Federation and expressed their solidarity with Ukraine.

The DAAD has stopped application opportunities for Russia scholarships. Even German scholarship holders who have already been selected cannot currently receive financial support for a planned stay in Russia.  

DAAD President Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee emphasizes: "We know that this step also creates injustice and affects numerous scientists and students who are committed to peaceful and constitutional conditions as well as good neighborly relations. We are aware that many of our Russian friends and our Russian partner institutions reject the campaign against Ukraine from the bottom of their hearts. At the same time, in light of the war, we believe it is imperative to critically review the promotion of exchange relations with Russia."

More information on the topic and an interview with the International Office in the Online Courier are planned soon.