Overview
- The Senate’s draft 2027/28 consolidation requires roughly €40 million per year from the science budget and would cut HCU’s core funding from about €29 million in 2027 to roughly €16 million in 2028.
- Thirty-two HCU professors published a public brandbrief warning that the measures could amount to as much as 55% in cuts and endanger around 65 jobs and at least one degree program.
- HCU says it holds about €37 million in reserves but that portions are already earmarked for obligations such as rent and cannot sustainably cover a recurring funding gap.
- On Monday, September 28, 2026, a heated public hearing of the parliamentary science committee saw SPD and Green members reject a motion to hear university staff, prompting opposition complaints of a 'Maulkorb' and deepening political mistrust.
- HCU leadership has opened mediation and is seeking legal advice with litigation possible, while Science Senator Maryam Blumenthal insists future contracts and the Excellence Strategy are funded through 2027 and points to roughly €500 million in planned research and campus investments.