CDU criticizes cuts at University of Excellence - Hamburg’s Universities Face Crisis as Budget Cuts Leave 86 Professorships Vacant
The University of Hamburg (UHH) and other institutions in the city are grappling with budget cuts that have sparked controversy. While the total budget for UHH faculties increased by approximately 2 percent from 2024 to 2025, the cuts to research and teaching have drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and the public.
The situation is dire, with 86 professorships vacant across Hamburg's universities. At UHH alone, 50 positions are open, including six that have been vacant for over seven years. On average, these positions have remained unfilled for over 31 months. The Senate has defended the cuts, stating that many of these positions are no longer deemed urgent for research and teaching.
CDU lawmaker Anna von Treuenfels-Frowein has been vocal in her criticism, warning that the cuts will severely impact students and teaching staff. She called on Science Senator Marjam Blumenthal to fully reverse the planned cuts. The CDU party demands a complete reversal of the cuts, arguing that they contradict UHH's claim to excellence. Despite these challenges, UHH has secured four Clusters of Excellence in the second funding phase of the federal and state Excellence Strategy. UHH faculties have also contributed 4.5 percent of their respective state-funded budgets for 2025 and 2026 to fund measures in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and digitalization.
The budget cuts at UHH and other Hamburg universities have led to a significant number of vacant professorships, raising concerns about the impact on students and teaching staff. While the university has achieved excellence in research, the future of its core mission remains uncertain. Lawmakers and the public await a resolution to this pressing issue.
