TUD Dresden University of Technology defines itself as a regionally anchored and globally oriented University of Excellence, which - especially being the largest employer in Dresden - assumes societal responsibility. "Science is part of society and therefore cannot be apolitical. As a public university, we are obliged to maintain party-political neutrality, but being neutral does not equate to remaining silent when fundamental values such as civil liberties, human dignity and the rule of law are at risk," said Prof. Ursula Staudinger, Rector of TUD, in a recent interview in the Sächsische Zeitung.

Broad alliance from science and culture calls for participation in the large-scale event on May 25, 2024

Having repeatedly taken a clear stance - including the annual registration of the "Menschenkette“ (human chain) on February 13, 2024, the publication of the “TU Dresden Declaration for Cosmopolitanism, Liberties and a Strong Democracy“ and activities as part of the current 2024 Science Year with the project "Democratic Freedom - Achieve, Experience, Preserve“ - TUD will now take additional steps: "We have forged a powerful coalition with the DRESDEN-concept research alliance and the cultural institutions in the city of Dresden. It includes all the universities and research institutions in Dresden, the major museums, the Dresdner Philharmonie, the Staatsschauspiel Dresden and the members of 'Cosmopolitanism Dresden'," says TUD Rector Ursula Staudinger.

The alliance - which is unique in Germany in this form and unites around 20,000 researchers from academia alone - is calling for a large-scale event for democracy on May 25, 2024 under the title “Joining forces for democracy - Dresden science and culture calls for action“.

Bringing together the representatives from science, art and culture in Dresden

Why are these stakeholders joining forces? It is explicitly about giving the representatives from science, art and culture more weight in the current political debate and making them visible to the public. Dresden is of particular importance here, as on the one hand the city has to face special challenges due to its history and political developments - but on the other hand it is also a hotspot of science and culture with global appeal.

More information on the major event for the protection of democracy can be found on the central TUD homepage under "Protecting Democracy" The information on the site is updated on an ongoing basis.

Contact:
Matthias Fejes
Press Officer
Tel.: +49 351 463-32882