HNEE repositions itself - unique matrix structure in Germany - new basic regulations for better organisation of teaching and research
At the Senate meeting of the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) on 26 June 2024, the university's new constitution was adopted. With the adoption of the university's basic statutes governing academic self-governance, the change process that began two years ago has reached a key milestone on the way to a sustainable organisational model.
Subject to confirmation by the Ministry of Science of the State of Brandenburg, the introduction of the new structure will be completed at the beginning of the 2025 summer semester after a transition phase. With the new matrix structure, which is unique in Germany, there will be two departments instead of the previous faculties. They will take over the tasks of the faculties. They will be complemented by an undergraduate school and a graduate school. All of HNEE's study programmes are brought together in these schools and can be presented to the outside world.
HNEE's research specialisms will also become more visible with the new structure. This will be achieved through the new opportunity for scientists with particularly strong research skills to join forces more easily in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research and transfer institutes, such as the Biosphere Reserves Institute, which was officially recognised as a UNESCO Category 2 Institute last week.
As a pioneer of the sustainability transformation of society, HNEE is thus giving itself a modern structure to enable graduates to continue to optimally shape the social sustainability transformation. The new structure creates the necessary scope for interdisciplinary collaboration. The new organisational model was developed with the participation of university members in joint workshops and exchange rounds. The common goal of the change process was to build on the strengths and reduce or eliminate the weaknesses of the previous model. Existing tasks can be handled more efficiently and at the same time, scope can be created for new organisational tasks. The new organisational model will also make the self-administration more attractive. The greater permeability and flexibility in the design of future-oriented study programmes increases the attractiveness for prospective students and students alike. The simplified formation of research alliances in turn strengthens teaching and research in equal measure.
In its recommendations for the further development of the higher education system in the state of Brandenburg, the Brandenburg Science Council identified "reforming the internal organisation, streamlining the range of courses on offer and further developing the framework conditions for research and young academics" as urgent tasks (WR 2024, p. 300). HNEE has set itself this task.
University President Prof Matthias Barth: "As President, I have taken on this major, central and by no means simple development task together with all members of the university. With the decision in favour of the basic regulations, we have taken an important step forward together on the path to a modern university. It is a major task that requires cooperation between the various status groups and decentralised areas as well as the central administration. But it also gives us the opportunity to work together to make our university fit for the future."
With the adoption of the basic regulations, important formal requirements have now been created, which can now be followed by an application to the Ministry of Science, Research and Culture of the State of Brandenburg (MWFK) for a statutory order. Once the basic regulations have been confirmed by the Ministry and the legal regulations have been issued, a trial period of at least five years will begin. Following this, the new organisational structures can be made permanent with the approval of the state parliament.
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