First university-wide Town Hall on security and defence

In his opening remarks, Rector Prof. Peter Middendorf made it clear that, through the town hall – which is to take place regularly in future – the university aims to create a space for open discussion on key issues. In light of geopolitical developments, security-related research is a highly topical issue of great significance, requiring the University of Stuttgart to consider how it can best live up to its responsibility. It was therefore chosen as the topic for the first town hall meeting. Prof. Wolfram Pyta provided an academic insight, placing the relationship between academia, the state and security within a broader historical context.

Moderated by Associate Professor Felix Heidenreich, Rector Prof. Peter Middendorf, Prof. Jens Anders (research), Prof. Judith Tonhauser (ethics committee), Susan Völkel (export control), Ulrich Gemkow (staff council) and Christopher Szesny (stuvus) shared their views on the topic. Topics discussed included the handling of security-related research, the importance of academic freedom, future implications for research, ethical issues and the challenges of export control.

The subsequent discussion provided a forum for differing views and enabled participants from academia, administration, committees and the student body to raise their questions and share their perspectives, as well as to voice their concerns and worries.

Numerous contributions from the audience highlighted the relevance of the topic and demonstrated just how much the associated issues concern the university community. It also became clear that there is a need for further discussion on this subject. The university management has taken note of the perspectives and questions raised and will incorporate them into the ongoing discussion on the topic.

The new format is to take place regularly in future. This is intended to ensure that university members continue to have the opportunity to participate in discussions on important future topics and to play an active role in shaping the exchange of ideas within the university. Feedback on the Town Hall, as well as suggestions for future topics, are expressly welcome and can be sent to the Town Hall email address. Many thanks to everyone who has already contributed suggestions and critical feedback. This feedback will be incorporated into the further development of the format.