At the University of Augsburg we are stunned and dismayed by Russia’s attack on Ukraine. We strongly condemn the war. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this hostile invasion. We especially offer our support to the students and researchers at our partner universities in Chernivtsi and Lviv, who have been in close cooperation with us for many years.

There are also students and researchers in Augsburg itself who are either from Ukraine or have their roots there. We ask them to contact the International Office in order to support them as best as possible and and organise further help wherever possible.

Furthermore, the Bavarian county Swabia, the Romanian county Suceava and the Ukrainian oblast Chernivtsi have established a partnership that can already look back on 25 years through the University of Augsburg’s  Bukowina-Institute. Here too close contact and exchange with cooperation partners is sought in order to solidarily stand behind those affected by these difficult times.

University of Augsburg halts cooperation with Russia

Dear members of the University of Augsburg,

in response to the Russian attack on Ukraine and the peace in Europe and especially due to the growing emergency situation of the Ukrainian civilian population, university management has decided to halt all relations between the University of Augsburg and research institutions, state institutions and companies from Russia and Belarus.

By doing so we are following the recommendation of the Alliance of Science Organisations in Germany, which includes research organisations like the German Research Foundation (DFG), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK).

Consequences for the University of Augsburg in particular are:

• The student exchange programme with the Moscow State Pedagogical University and the Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University will be suspended for the time being.
• Until further notice we will not host guest researchers from Russia.
• Until further notice no joint research projects with Russian universities or other institutions will be started. Ongoing projects will not be extended

This decision was also influenced by the fact that a steady cooperation is next to impossible due to the large number of international sanctions, especially regarding air traffic and financial transactions.

We are acutely aware of the fact that this decision affects Russian students and researchers who oppose the war against Ukraine. Our goal has always been to continue scientific cooperation, promote friendship among nations and maintaining channels of communication even in times of crisis. However, the deteriorating situation does not leave us any other option to take action in the ongoing events and live up to our motto “scientia et conscientia“ (research and responsibility). We feel solidarity with all the brave people in Russia who – despite the very real danger of impending punishment – protest against this attack, which took place in violation of international law. These measures explicitly are not aimed at the Russian or ethnic Russian members of our University. We wish for friendship with Russians and hope that these measures can be revoked soon.

We further more support the aid measures of the city of Augsburg and the Ukrainischer Verein Augsburg e.V. und ask all members to offer help and donations. Please follow this link in order to learn how you can help www.augsburg.de/ukraine.

We a close eye to the situation of our Ukrainian students and researchers, for whom the events back home are a particularly heavy burden. Members of the University of Augsburg who are Ukrainian citizens, who are experiencing difficulties due to current events are invited to contact the International Office ( info@aaa.uni-augsburg.de).
Sincerely,

Sabine Doering-Manteuffel
President of the University of Augsburg