Wissenschaftsrat WR

Overview

The German Science and Humanities Council (Wissenschaftsrat, WR) is Germany's oldest science policy advisory body, established on September 5, 1957, through an administrative agreement between the federal government and the states (Länder). It serves as an independent expert institution, advising both federal and state governments on all matters concerning the content and structural development of science, research and higher education. The WR's primary goal is to enable and support a high-performance, functionally and institutionally sophisticated research and higher education system that is interconnected and impacts society in diverse ways. It aims to contribute to the long-term further development of the German research and higher education system while rendering it internationally competitive. According to uniRank, the WR plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of higher education and research in Germany.

History and Legal Framework

Founded in 1957, the Wissenschaftsrat was established to provide expert advice on the development of science and higher education in Germany. It operates under an administrative agreement between the federal government and the states, ensuring its role as an independent advisory body. Over the decades, the WR has significantly influenced the establishment of an internationally competitive high-performance research and higher education system in Germany. It also laid the foundation for developing an efficient science landscape in the new federal states following German reunification.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

The WR's mission is to enable and support a high-performance, functionally and institutionally sophisticated research and higher education system. Its objectives include:

• Providing expert advice on the content and structural development of science, research and higher education.
• Contributing to the long-term further development of the German research and higher education system.
• Ensuring the international competitiveness of the German science system.
• Supporting the integration of science and research into societal development.

Through these objectives, the WR aims to foster a research and higher education system that is interconnected and has a significant impact on society.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The Wissenschaftsrat operates as an independent advisory body with a governance structure that includes a Scientific Commission responsible for preparing recommendations and statements. The WR's work is organized through committees and working groups, with an average of 40 to 45 topics and expert opinions dealt with in parallel. This structure ensures that the WR can address a wide range of issues concerning science, research and higher education. Its independence is maintained through its legal status and the administrative agreement that governs its operations, allowing it to provide unbiased and expert advice to the federal and state governments.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

Since 2001, the WR has been responsible for carrying out the institutional accreditation of non-state higher education institutions on behalf of the states. This quality assurance procedure assesses whether a non-state higher education institution is capable of providing services in research and teaching that meet recognized scientific standards. The WR also applies evaluative procedures in various areas, including the evaluation of large-scale research infrastructures, the appraisal of research buildings and the assessment of individual research institutions and university medical facilities. These evaluations support the funding decisions of the federal and state governments and contribute to the continuous improvement of the German research and higher education system.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The Wissenschaftsrat collaborates with various international organizations and institutions to enhance the global competitiveness of the German science and higher education system. While specific memberships and partnerships are not detailed in the available sources, the WR's international engagement includes participating in international evaluations and assessments, sharing best practices and contributing to discussions on science policy at the European and global levels. This international cooperation helps align Germany's research and higher education policies with global standards and trends.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Looking ahead, the Wissenschaftsrat continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of higher education in Germany. Its evaluations and recommendations influence the development of university structures, research priorities and funding mechanisms. By providing expert advice on governance, quality assurance and strategic planning, the WR helps ensure that German higher education institutions remain competitive and responsive to societal needs. Its work supports the integration of science and research into societal development, fostering a research and higher education system that is interconnected and impactful.

Summary

The German Science and Humanities Council (Wissenschaftsrat) is an independent advisory body that provides expert advice to the federal and state governments on matters concerning the development of science, research and higher education in Germany. Established in 1957, the WR aims to enable and support a high-performance, functionally and institutionally sophisticated research and higher education system. Through its evaluations, recommendations and international cooperation, the WR contributes to the continuous improvement and international competitiveness of the German science system.

FAQs

• What is the Wissenschaftsrat?
  The Wissenschaftsrat is Germany's oldest science policy advisory body, established in 1957 to provide expert advice on the development of science, research and higher education.
• Who does the Wissenschaftsrat advise?
  The WR advises both the federal government and the governments of the federal states (Länder) in Germany.
• What is the mission of the Wissenschaftsrat?
  The WR aims to enable and support a high-performance, functionally and institutionally sophisticated research and higher education system that is interconnected and impacts society in diverse ways.
• What is the role of the Wissenschaftsrat in accreditation?
  Since 2001, the WR has been responsible for carrying out the institutional accreditation of non-state higher education institutions on behalf of the states, assessing whether they meet recognized scientific standards.
• How does the Wissenschaftsrat contribute to international cooperation?
  The WR collaborates with various international organizations and institutions to enhance the global competitiveness of the German science and higher education system, participating in international evaluations and assessments.

Organization Name

Wissenschaftsrat
German Science and Humanities Council

Acronym

WR

Year of Establishment

5/09/1957

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Brohler Strasse 11
Köln
50968 North Rhine-Westphalia Germany

Phone

+49 (221) 3776-0

Fax

+49 (221) 38 84 40

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

Wissenschaftsrat's X page

LinkedIn

Wissenschaftsrat's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Wissenschaftsrat's Wikipedia article

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