The Berlin University Alliance and the University of Oxford issue joint Mission Statement for the Oxford Berlin Research Partnership
Berlin/Oxford, September 2025
The Oxford Berlin Research Partnership, the strategic cooperation between the University of Oxford and the Berlin University Alliance, has adopted its first joint Mission Statement. Finalized in September 2025, the statement is the outcome of intensive bilateral discussions during a high-level delegation visit of the Berlin University Alliance to Oxford in March 2025.
During the visit, Prof. Dr. Günter Ziegler, Spokesperson of the Berlin University Alliance and President of Freie Universität Berlin, Prof. Dr. Julia von Blumenthal, President of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Prof. Dr. Stefan Völker, Vice President for Research at Technische Universität Berlin, and Prof. Dr. Joachim Spranger, Dean of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, met with Oxford Vice-Chancellor Prof. Irene Tracey to exchange views on the shared themes and values shaping the Oxford Berlin Research Partnership.
The Mission Statement emphasizes the partners’ shared responsibility to advance research that transcends borders and disciplines, particularly in times of global challenges and geopolitical uncertainty. Rooted in the values of truth, freedom of expression, and open debate, the document provides a strong foundation for the partnership’s future work.
*Photocredits: Bernd Wannenmacher | Prof. Dr. Günter M. Ziegler, Ian Wallman | Professor Irene Tracey
News from Oct 14, 2025
Mission Statement – Oxford Berlin Research Partnership (September 2025):
At a time of shifting geopolitical complexities and global challenges, the Oxford Berlin Research Partnership is committed to fostering collaborative and interdisciplinary research that transcends borders and promotes our shared values of truth, free speech, and open debate.
By uniting the strengths of the University of Oxford and the Berlin University Alliance and utilising the close bilateral partnership of the UK and German governments, we will focus our research on finding solutions to global challenges from a European perspective, such as the global threat to democracy, ageing societies, and sustainable energy transition.
Through close collaboration in the arts and humanities, social sciences, medical sciences, and STEM fields, our partnership pushes the boundaries of knowledge, nurtures talent, and develops impactful solutions that contribute to a more prosperous, resilient and equitable global society.
By upholding and defending our shared values, the Oxford Berlin Research Partnership will ensure its joint research is conducted with integrity, transparency, and respect for diverse perspectives.
By adopting this Mission Statement, the Oxford Berlin Research Partnership positions itself as a driver of impactful, value-based research that addresses urgent questions of our time while helping shape a resilient and equitable future.
Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford:
„The Oxford–Berlin Research Partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing knowledge and learning across Europe. Together with the Berlin University Alliance, we are building a vibrant community of researchers, fostering collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of ideas that enrich both our institutions and the wider world.“
“For us at Berlin University Alliance, this mission statement is both a symbol and a mandate,” says Prof. Dr. Günter M. Ziegler, spokesperson of Berlin University Alliance and president of Freie Universität Berlin. "It reflects the shared values of our institutions, which we build upon in order to advance excellence in research. We see it as our shared central task to preserve and strengthen democratic structures and academic freedom in Europe and beyond. These are the prerequisites for dynamic, responsible, and sustainable research that benefits the whole world."
Further information
Contact
- Suhana Reddy,Head of Communication of Berlin University Alliance, Email: suhana.reddy@berlin-university-alliance.de