FDP calls for boost for universities in Schleswig-Holstein
FDP state parliamentary group leader Christopher Vogt has called for more money for universities in Schleswig-Holstein. "Schleswig-Holstein has good universities with different profiles and sometimes even clusters of excellence, but this state government is not doing justice to the great strategic importance of science for the development of our federal state," Vogt told the German Press Agency. There is a lack of initiative to decisively advance the university landscape.
The annual increase in basic funding agreed in the coalition agreement is hardly enough to maintain the status quo in view of the current price dynamics, said Vogt. "Our universities are chronically underfunded." Against the backdrop of budget consolidation, the science sector is even threatened with severe cuts.
"There is also currently too little investment in university construction," said Vogt. Although the state government has declared its intention to be climate-neutral by 2040, not even the many flat roofs of university buildings are being equipped with solar panels.
"Universities fundamentally need more autonomy and less unnecessary bureaucracy, which ties up too many important resources and costs valuable time," said Vogt. He called for the science department in the ministry to be better staffed. "Our universities must become more digital and more networked - with each other, in society and internationally."
The state's declared goal must be for Kiel Christian Albrechts University to become a university of excellence next time around, said Vogt. "The state government must work harder to achieve this." After more than six years in office, he expects more commitment to science policy from Science Minister Karin Prien (CDU). She must promote the universities with clear strategies and less pettiness.
The FDP in the Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein proposes enhancing funding for education, specifically universities, recognizing their strategic importance in the state's development. There's a need for additional investment in university infrastructure, including equipping university buildings with solar panels, as part of the state's climate-neutrality goals, according to FDP state parliamentary group leader Christopher Vogt.
Source: www.dpa.com
