BTU temporarily suspends all cooperation with universities and scientific institutions in Russia

BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is committed to openness to the world, contentious discourse, and respect for different traditions, cultures, and fundamental ethical and moral values with all its strength in science, teaching, and university life. The BTU community is shocked and deeply saddened by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The university condemns this aggression, which is contrary to international law, and is with the citizens of Ukraine with the greatest concern and solidarity. In cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Rectors' Conference and the Alliance of Science Organizations, the BTU has decided to temporarily suspend all cooperation with Russian universities and non-university research institutions. This includes, among other things, partnership student exchange programs, joint research activities, publications and monetary contributions.

The BTU community wants to support the people of Ukraine. Here's how you can help, too:

  • The city of Cottbus has compiled an overview of numerous ways to help on its website. There you will find many ways to do good.
  • Together with the Friends of the BTU, we have set up an emergency fund for our Ukrainian students and those of our partner universities. You can donate to the Förderverein's account under the keyword "Ukrainehilfe".
  • Members of the Cottbus City Sports Association are actively helping, taking buses to the Polish-Ukrainian border to help refugees on the ground. The sports family is grateful for monetary donations to cover the costs of gasoline, tolls and supplies.
  • Associations active beyond the region, such as Caritas or Aktionsbündnis Katastrophenhilfe, also need support.
  • If you yourself are interested in joining a working group "Voluntary help for refugees from Ukraine", please contact the International Relations Office at: international+ukraine(at)b-tu.de.

We do not condemn Russian citizens, guests in Germany or our cooperation partners in Russia in general. Many Russian students and scientists distance themselves from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, sometimes at great personal risk. We support all Russian students, PhD students, employees and visiting researchers in their efforts for an immediate withdrawal of Russia from Ukraine.

We all hope that our support and solidarity in Germany, Europe and the world will help to end the war as soon as possible.

The Executive Committee of BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg

Contact

Ilka Seer
Bereich Präsident*in
T +49 (0) 355 69-3612
ilka.seer(at)b-tu.de
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