HTWK Leipzig welcomes the parliamentary initiative by BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN in the Saxon State Parliament
The Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK Leipzig) welcomes the motion tabled by the BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN parliamentary group in the Saxon State Parliament on 8 June.
The motion calls for the introduction of independent doctoral degree-awarding powers for universities of applied sciences (HAW) in Saxony. The initiative addresses an issue that HTWK Leipzig has been raising in the academic policy debate for years.
“The right to award doctorates independently is not a prestige project – it is an economic policy tool,” says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jean-Alexander Müller, Rector of HTWK Leipzig.
“Saxony is competing for skilled workers, for companies to set up here and for research collaborations. When companies are looking for a location to award doctorates today, they also consider the HAW. Without this right, we will lose talent and collaboration partners to other federal states.”
HTWK Leipzig has set out its position on this in a position paper (PDF): Research-intensive departments at the HAW should – in accordance with clearly defined quality criteria – be able to award doctoral degrees independently. This model complements existing cooperation arrangements with universities, but does not replace them. It creates additional capacity for applied research, which is particularly relevant for Saxony’s small and medium-sized enterprises.
Parliamentary support from the Landtag encourages HTWK Leipzig to continue pursuing this path. “We are delighted that our concerns are being heard in parliament. We are convinced that, with a well-thought-out, quality-assured model, Saxony can reap all the benefits – for higher education institutions, for businesses and for the region as a centre of science and research as a whole. We are available for any discussions,” said Rector Müller.
HTWK Leipzig maintains close cooperation with the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism, building on the constructive dialogue that has characterised the collaboration between the university and the ministry in recent years.
A note on our own behalf: Today (10 June) sees the publication of the latest issue of the HTWK research magazine “Einblicke”.
In it, Karim Khakzar, President of Fulda University of Applied Sciences, and Faouzi Derbel, Vice-Rector for Research and Sustainability and Academic Director of the Graduate Centre at HTWK Leipzig, discuss opportunities, shortcomings and the need for political action.
Read the “Einblicke” article on the right to award doctorates (PDF)
