Solidarity with Ukraine
The BTU condemns the aggression in Ukraine
The 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 stands with the citizens of Ukraine with the greatest concern and solidarity. In cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) 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-based student exchange programs, joint research activities, publications and financial contributions.
Neither Russian citizens, guests in Germany nor cooperation partners in Russia will be condemned 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 guest researchers in their efforts for an immediate withdrawal of Russia from Ukraine.
Perspective study
The BTU offers Ukrainians who have had to leave their homeland opportunities to begin their studies, counseling and study preparation services, as well as"BTU Guest Student Programs" or"BTU Pathway Programs," among other things.
With language skills "Fit for the campus!" - 45 guest students from Ukraine will spend the next six months learning German at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and embarking on an intensive journey of discovery through the region and German culture.
More about study and study preparation
Since 2017, the Geflüchteten Netzwerk Cottbus (GNC) and the BTU Department of Sociology for Social Work have been conducting critical conversations on issues of flight and migration, racism and diversity, empowerment and self-determination. In the summer semester of 2022, they jointly invite you to an interdisciplinary lecture series:
University partnerships, networks and aid projects
planning and architecture network for Ukraine The network of German and Ukrainian universities for planning and architecture aims at coordinating and supporting Ukrainian students and academics. The network is distributed throughout Germany and provides interdisciplinary, inter-university offers on a website, as well as corresponding contacts and contact persons. In addition to bridging offers, the focus is also on online formats for continuing the study programs at the home universities. To this end, support is planned for the Ukrainian partner universities in maintaining teaching and infrastructures in the digital field. In addition to the BTU, the network includes, for example, the TU Berlin, the TU Dortmund, the RWTH Aachen, the FH Potsdam and, in a leading role, the TH Lübeck.
Contact: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Silke Weidner, Chair of Urban Management
On the reconstruction of Ukraine: In the project, which the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is funding with more than 200,000 euros as part of an emergency program, corresponding teaching offers are to be made available via a new digital platform: Further information
Relief actions in Cottbus, Senftenberg and the region
A benefit concert by lecturers from the BTU's music programs on March 27, 2022 raised 1,000 euros for those affected by the war in Ukraine. University members as well as citizens of Cottbus and refugees from Ukraine accepted the invitation to the campus in Cottbus-Sachsendorf. The proceeds of the concert will go to the National Music Academy of Ukraine "Peter Tchaikovsky" in Kiev, where teaching can currently hardly take place, lecturers support the national defense as civilians and perform humanitarian tasks. The academy and the BTU's instrumental and vocal pedagogy program are linked by a faculty exchange program, among other things.
Participation in the working group "Voluntary assistance for refugees from Ukraine" - interested persons please contact the International Relations Office by e-mail at: international+ukraine(at)b-tu.de.
- The city of Cottbus has compiled an overview of numerous help opportunities on its website. There you will find many ways to do good.
- 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 cost of gas, tolls and supplies.
- The Oberspreewald-Lausitz district is displaying under the heading Ukraine Aid: Information for Citizens and Refugees also highlights numerous opportunities for assistance.
- Associations active beyond the region, such as Caritas or the Action Alliance for Disaster Relief, also need support.
- Committed BTU members and Cottbus residents have founded the Ukraine Network https://www.ukrainenetzwerk-cottbus.de/. A special newsletter from Fraunhofer IPMS provides information about the activities.
Other partnerships and networks
Alexander von Humbold Foundation
Humboldt Foundation responds to war on Ukraine with package of measures.
Ernst von Siemens Cultural Foundation
TheErnst von Siemens Art Foundation launches funding line for refugee scientists* at German museums.
German Cultural Council
The German Cultural Council is following the war in Ukraine with great concern. We stand clearly and unequivocally by the side of the people who are standing up and fighting for freedom and independence in Ukraine.
National Academic Contact Point Ukraine
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has set up this website to provide Ukrainian students and researchers with an initial orientation on the German higher education and research system.