On 23 May 2024, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) published a discussion paper on the preparation of the 10th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation of the European Union (EU), which is due to start in 2028. It presents guiding principles and initial thematic considerations which, from a German perspective, should characterise the future design of European research funding. The HRK welcomes the BMBF's initiative. The HRK also believes that EU research funding must continue to be placed on an open and excellent footing.

The HRK will join the National Chapter of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) as a guest, thus increasing its engagement with the efforts to reform research assessment at European level. The HRK General Assembly decided to take this step at its meeting. Through its guest status as an associate member in the German National Chapter of CoARA, currently organised by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the HRK intends to promote the exchange of information on reform goals and measures relating to European research assessment with the higher education members and non-members of CoARA as well as with other German and European scientific organisations.

German universities would like to further improve the foundations and framework conditions for successful study and career paths for their international students. In a resolution passed by the General Assembly of the HRK, they propose a comprehensive package of measures. The universities themselves could take additional steps to ensure successful professional and social integration. At the same time, they are making concrete demands to the federal and state governments to improve the legal, regulatory and financial framework conditions.

To better meet the growing demand for skilled labour in Germany, the universities that are members of the HRK are calling for widening the cooperation between school, vocational and higher education. The HRK General Assembly adopted a resolution on this topic, which identifies key action areas and measures, in particular to prevent students dropping out of training and studies, as well as to ensure mutual permeability and cooperation between educational sectors.

The HRK are committed to further reducing structural gender inequality and achieving appropriate gender representation in professorships at universities. In a resolution, the HRK's General Assembly named concrete goals and action areas as well as measures that can contribute to the realisation of institutional cultural and structural change towards more gender equality at universities and have the character of a voluntary commitment.

Cases of abuse of power at universities, especially against students and junior researchers, in recent years make it clear that a continuous review and, if necessary, an expansion of existing protective measures is necessary. At its meeting, the HRK therefore adopted a recommendation on measures to make the abuse of power visible, sanction and prevent it, and provide the best possible support for those affected.