3.1. Principles for acting responsibly
The principles are derived from selected UNESCO and UN conventions and covenants, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (in particular Article 14: Right to education), and societal statements on academic freedom. Some of the principles (equal participation, institutional autonomy, accountability, academic freedom) are taken mutatis mutandis from the Scholars at Risk guide Promoting Higher Education Values. Observe the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the context of your international cooperation.
Universität Hamburg signed the Magna Charta Universitatum 1988 (PDF) and 2020 (PDF) and is committed to the values and principles formulated therein.
Equal participation
This includes access to and successful participation in higher education and professional activities at higher education institutions through merit and qualification and without discrimination on the basis of origin; gender; language; religion; economic, cultural, and social distinctions; or physical disabilities. It should also include the active promotion of traditionally underrepresented groups, including but not limited to, Indigenous people, cultural and linguistic minorities, financially and other disadvantaged groups, and people with disabilities. The people from these groups have special experiences and talents that are of great value to higher education and society at large.
Institutional autonomy
This includes the degree of self-governance of higher education institutions for effective decision-making structures with regard to academic work, academic standards, administration, and related activities, respecting the principles of equal participation, personal security, accountability, social responsibility, truthfulness, and academic freedom.
Personal safety
This includes protection against mental and physical injury in the context of participation in higher education and activities at the employing university as well as protection at the workplace, on business trips, and at other relevant places of activity, both in virtual and physical space. The term also includes direct and indirect protection of third parties in the course of university activities and collaboration, such as through the possible and avoidable effects of the application of research and research results.
Accountability
This includes the institutionalization of and working within clear and transparent structures and methods so that third parties (e.g., federal and state governments, external organizations, higher education staff, students, and broader society) can evaluate the quality, performance, and actions in general of higher education and the higher education community while respecting academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
Obligation to be truthful
You are obligated to tell the truth and to declare research findings or facts completely and independently of external influences and subjectively divergent views that do not correspond to the truth.
Academic freedom
This includes the freedom to teach and discuss; the freedom to research, disseminate, and publish; the freedom to express oneself with regard to the academic institution and the research and higher education system in which one works; the freedom not to be institutionally censored; the freedom to participate in professional and representative academic committees and counsels.
Note: The Code of Academic Freedom, chaired by Prof. Dr. Hans-Heinrich Trute and developed with Universität Hamburg researchers, comprehensively addresses the concept of academic freedom.
Note on compliance with the principles
When you act for Universität Hamburg in the context of your activities, you always act as a representative of the University. As a public, cosmopolitan, and diverse institution, the University stands up for the principles mentioned here. In the course of your activities for Universität Hamburg, act in accordance with the principles listed here.
Questions and consultations
The Department of International Affairs is available to answer your questions and provide consultations. Contact us regarding regional expertise or faculty assignment. Both are marked accordingly on the Department of International Affairs website so that you can quickly find the right contact person.