“Freedom is a responsibility that our university commits to every day.”
Professor Günter M. Ziegler, President of Freie Universität Berlin
Due to its unique history and the impetus that led to its founding, Freie Universität Berlin takes its responsibility to society very seriously. The university is committed to upholding its values – Veritas, Iustitia, Libertas – by promoting inclusion, diversity, and fairness at all levels of society. Freie Universität Berlin takes on responsibilities in many relevant areas, setting clear standards for social involvement.
Sustainability is an important issue across all areas of the university. Everyone can make a difference – students, researchers, and employees – by taking part in any number of campus initiatives, by conserving energy and being mindful about their use of resources, and by addressing the issue in teaching and research.
As an international hub for research and teaching, Freie Universität also bears responsibility for maintaining high academic and ethical standards. This includes dedication to good research practice, transparency, and integrity in order to boost confidence in science and academia.
Knowledge transfer, i.e., communicating the results of research carried out at Freie Universität Berlin to the public and bringing them to market (for example, through providing funding for start-ups) is an important way in which the university actively contributes to solving global challenges.
Diversity and inclusion are central pillars of our society. Freie Universität advocates a culture where people are equally valued and given the same opportunities, regardless of their nationality, gender, or social background. Everyone should have the chance to be heard and to make their personal contribution to society.
Freie Universität Berlin also takes its global responsibility seriously. This is reflected in the wealth of support it provides to refugee and at-risk researchers, who are welcomed with open arms.
Freie Universität is a university that thrives on open dialogue and academic debate. It provides a space for different points of view to be heard, where conflicts can be solved through the constructive exchange of ideas. In doing so, Freie Universität takes inspiration from the values upon which it was founded – freedom, justice, and truth. This responsibility is made most evident in how people relate to each other on campus, whether in the context of academic interactions or in their daily exchanges with other university members.
The university is clear on its stance regarding political action and protests on campus. It is imperative that freedom of opinion and academic freedom can be guaranteed, especially in times of conflict. Freie Universität provides a space for political discourse but balances this against its responsibility to draw the line where this is necessary for the university community’s well-being. In particular, this refers to standpoints that are discriminatory or extremist in nature. Ensuring mutual respect and the personal safety of all university members remains our top priority.
