SAVE THE DATE!

On June 11, 2026, a demonstration calling for increased funding for Hamburg’s universities will begin at 2:00 p.m. in front of the main building of the University of Hamburg, located at Edmund-Siemers-Allee 1, under the slogan “Knowledge Creates the Future.”

We've had enough!

For years, the Hamburg Senate has refused to provide the university with sufficient funding for its research and teaching activities. The situation is now coming to a head! University administration feels compelled to plan for cuts of at least 10% across all areas. This will result in drastic and irreversible damage.

  • We are already struggling with shorter library hours, cuts to operational funding, and the elimination of student jobs.
  • We employees are struggling under the weight of excessive workloads, and sick leave is at an all-time high; already, one-fifth of administrative positions are unfilled, and vacancies are not being filled.
  • One-third of doctoral positions remain unfilled, and the precarious employment conditions faced by all academic staff are being exacerbated by the cuts.
  • The number of college spots is in danger of being significantly reduced. It is not just individual courses but entire degree programs that are at risk of being eliminated.

As employees and students, we will not tolerate these attacks on our working and learning conditions—and thus on responsible scholarship. We demand adequate funding. This means:

  • an immediate increase of €30 million in the University of Hamburg’s annual base budget
  • the future dynamic adjustment of the base budget to at least match the real-term cost increases for wage increases and operating expenses (inflation)

Adequate funding for basic public services and education benefits everyone: 

Adequate public funding is the foundation of the fundamental democratic right to academic freedom. This funding is intended to ensure that science can be conducted in the service of society, independent of the interests of private donors; this means, among other things, working toward inclusive education to strengthen democratic values and overcome social inequality; working to end wars and promote peace; and contributing to the resolution of the climate crisis. Furthermore, every euro invested in science generates nearly twice as much revenue.

It's worth fighting for! 

There are alternatives to underfunding. It is the result of misguided political priorities, whereby—despite economic growth and rising social wealth—spending on education, social services, culture, and health care continues to be cut back, a trend now exacerbated by ongoing militarization. A turnaround is necessary and possible, because Hamburg is a prosperous city! Just as in 2011, when over 10,000 students and employees marched to City Hall and were able to avert the cuts that were then looming, the time has come again: let’s increase the pressure on our political leaders; let’s make our voices heard!