Thank you Germany: Part 012: We can be proud of our science centre

German universities also enjoy a good reputation worldwide. With Heidelberg, Germany has one of the oldest universities. In addition, nowhere else in the world is the special principle of the comprehensive university as strong as in Germany. While universities in other countries often specialise strongly in individual subject areas, traditional German universities attach importance to representing all scientific fields. The advantage of this is clear. The different sub-disciplines also enter into productive discussions with each other.

In this way, particularly innovative research projects are launched in interdisciplinary dialogue. But the comprehensive university also offers students more extensive potential. They can study a wide range of different subject areas and find the right path for their own career in science. If this is successful, a professorship may be on the horizon. Anyone who becomes a professor in Germany will have demonstrated real qualities.

Compared to other countries, there are many different hurdles to this goal. There are comparatively few professorships. This also means that professors enjoy very special recognition. However, not everyone who has become a professor has retreated into the intellectual ivory tower. Many professors also appear on television or comment on certain discussions in the media. With its many universities, the country also has a whole range of critical intellectuals who speak out on important issues. This makes for a critical debate.

This also makes an important contribution to society from a scientific perspective. Scientific research is supported with a great deal of funding. Germany's top universities have therefore repeatedly achieved outstanding things in important areas. One or two Nobel Prizes have also been awarded to German researchers. The special research achievements of German scientists and German universities are something to be proud of. Cities with old universities are usually bustling with intellectual activity. At public congresses and other university events, even ordinary citizens can immerse themselves in this spirit. You simply have to love Germany for this opportunity.

The intellectual creativity of the old traditional universities is characterised by a very special aura. It fascinates scientists all over the world. Many come to Germany for conferences and research projects. A lively exchange takes place between the countries. This is because the German academic system has always been particularly open. It does not set itself apart from other countries. The idea of the university is based in principle on an international exchange between teachers from different countries. This exchange is promoted by the German academic system wherever possible. In contrast to Anglo-Saxon countries, for example, there are no or significantly lower tuition fees in Germany.

Students should be encouraged to look beyond the borders of their own country. An exchange semester at a university abroad is specifically supported. Universities also regularly invite important scientists from other countries to Germany on scholarships. It is not only in the field of expensive technical innovations such as space travel that Germany has long been cooperating with its most important partners. In the humanities, too, many an important publication has been jointly launched by teams of scientists from many countries.