"Zielvereinbarung": Gremmels Thanks the University of Kassel

Minister of Science Timon Gremmels signed additional performance agreements today on the sidelines of the university leadership conference at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences: He thanked the leadership of the University of Kassel, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, the Städelschule University of Fine Arts, the Offenbach University of Art and Design, and Geisenheim University for their determined and focused negotiations. Target agreements are being concluded with all 14 universities in the state. The targets apply for the duration of the Hessian Higher Education Pact, that is, from 2026 to 2031.

Universitäts-Präsidentin Prof. Dr. Ute Clement mit Wissenschaftsminister Timon Gremmels.

“I am very grateful to the universities for the constructive negotiations,” said Minister of Science Timon Gremmels. “With the new performance agreements, we are laying a solid foundation for the strategic development of the universities and for addressing future challenges in a thoughtful manner. In doing so, the universities are making use of the opportunities provided by the Hessian Higher Education Pact to continue strengthening North Hesse, East Hesse, and the Rhine-Main region as forward-looking centers of higher education. Educational equity and equal opportunity play a major role in the current target agreements. Through initiatives in staff development, demographic management, and the promotion of young talent, the universities ensure a diverse academic environment.”

According to the target agreement, the University of Kassel continues to present itself as an innovative and forward-looking center of education and research committed to the mission of an open, democratic university. In research, the university emphasizes interdisciplinarity and, particularly through its key research areas of “Multifunctional Matter and Multiscale Systems” and “Sustainable Transformations,” offers solutions to societal challenges that are recognized beyond the region. Openness to non-traditional educational paths and the opportunity for individual academic success are to be ensured, among other things, through high-quality student support. A broad range of programs in teacher education will continue to be a key focus in the future. Furthermore, the university sees itself as a gender-equitable, family-friendly, open, inclusive, and intercultural university.

Prof. Dr. Ute Clement, President of the University of Kassel, commented: “These are not easy times for universities due to the financial circumstances. It is positive and provides planning certainty that the target agreement with the State of Hesse bindingly sets out the direction in which we want to continue developing. This includes research collaborations with other major academic institutions, as well as further positioning ourselves as a driver of innovation in the region, increasing the proportion of international students, and initiatives to attract students in STEM fields, to name just a few.”