The Education and Science Trade Union (GEW) has called on the newly appointed Education Minister Karin Prien (CDU) to closely cooperate with the Research Minister responsible for the university sector, Dorothee Bär (CSU). “The danger of universities and research institutions being disconnected from educational policy developments and decisions must be proactively addressed. For this, good inter-ministerial cooperation is absolutely necessary” said the association’s chief, Maike Finnern, in an interview with the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland.” She welcomed the appointment of a regional politician as Education Minister and stated that her experience as Education Minister in Schleswig-Holstein and as President of the Conference of Education Ministers, as well as her knowledge of implementing educational policy projects, can serve as a basis for significantly improved cooperation between federal and state authorities. The German University Association (DHV) appealed to Bär to immediately address universities and scientific institutions. “Reliable financial frameworks, overdue reform of the Scientific Employment Contract Act, or the rapid construction initiative to renovate, modernize and digitize universities cannot be postponed” said the association’s chief, Lambert Koch, in an interview with the RND. “This can succeed if she, unlike her predecessor Bettina Stark-Watzinger, seeks closer contact with scientists” he said, referring to the FDP politician who headed the Education Ministry in the red-green coalition government.
GEW Urges Close Collaboration Between Education and Research Ministers
