Statement of solidarity in relation to the current cuts in culture, science and education

As a university space working in the intersection of education, science, culture and society, we follow with growing concern the recent political developments in regards to the shortage of public funds for these interrelated sectors.

From our joint experience in transdisciplinary work environments across institutions and knowledge production fields, our capacity to impact far beyond the university and the academic community thrives in creating synergies out of unconventional collaborations. We see our contribution to economic growth driven by innovation, excellence and sustainable development as a result of a process of investment, and as a reflection of Berlin’s own attractiveness as a diverse hub where future-oriented perspectives meet.

Acknowledging the mutual interdependencies between these factors is key towards understanding to which extent the current sparing plan without a vision for investment undermines Berlin’s capacity to compete nationally and internationally in the coming years.