The University of Oldenburg is freezing its academic and research cooperation with Russian scientific institutions. The Presidential Board of the University of Oldenburg has taken this decision in view of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which is a clear violation of international law. This decision corresponds with a request by Björn Thümler, Lower Saxony’s Minister of Science, to all universities in the state.

“We are aware that our suspension of cooperation and active collaboration with Russian scientific organisations also affects colleagues and students who oppose the war on Ukraine. Nevertheless, in view of the current crisis situation, we see no alternative to this step,” said University President Prof. Dr. Ralph Bruder. While long-standing personal contacts with individual Russian scientists will be maintained, the university has ceased to pursue both active and new cooperative relations and programmes.

The University of Oldenburg maintains collaborations in research and teaching with 14 Russian partner universities.  Agreements with four of these universities include the option of student exchanges. Currently, there are only a few Russian students in Oldenburg as part of these programmes. In return, no students from Oldenburg are attending Russian universities.

In its current actions, the University of Oldenburg is following recommendations issued by the Alliance of Science Organisations.

The Presidential Board has contacted its long-time Ukrainian partner university, the National Ivan Franco University of Lviv, and offered its support. In addition, the University of Oldenburg has invited its students and employees with Ukrainian roots to a meeting to discuss the challenges they are currently facing and how the university can be of assistance.

These students and employees may also turn to the university's International Office and AStA's social counselling service for help and advice.