Statement

Open Letter concerning the proposed higher education reform in Georgia

For more than 20 years, the Georgian-German Science Bridge (GGSB) has served as a link between German research institutions and Georgian universities. During this period, we have built successful and sustainable partnerships, particularly with institutions in Tbilisi, fostering joint research projects, student and staff exchanges, and capacity-building initiatives that have strengthened the Georgian higher education and research landscape.

We have learned with concern about the proposed higher education reform, particularly the “one city – one faculty” policy. Even though it was stated to improve efficiency and streamline resources, we believe that this approach risks undermining the diversity, accessibility, and quality of higher education in Georgia, as it hampers the interdisciplinary possibilities between fields. Furthermore, it threatens the long-standing collaborations that GGSB has cultivated over the past two decades.

We would like to emphasize that institutional autonomy and academic freedom are fundamental pillars of democratic societies, enabling universities to develop independently, to innovate, and to educate future generations of scientists and citizens. Freedom of scientific inquiry forms the basis for productive international cooperation. Policies that restrict faculties or centralize control over academic institutions could inadvertently weaken these freedoms and reduce opportunities for engagement with the global scientific community.

Over the past thirty years, Georgia has made remarkable progress in transforming and advancing its higher education system. This positive trajectory has included the adoption of international standards, expansion of academic programs, and enhanced opportunities for research and mobility. The GGSB is proud to have contributed to this progress through decades of collaboration, and we hope to continue supporting Georgia’s scientific development in the years to come.

We respectfully urge the relevant authorities to carefully consider the potential impact of the “one city – one faculty” policy on international collaboration, scientific freedom, and the long-term development of Georgian higher education. Preserving a diverse, open, and autonomous higher education landscape will ensure that Georgia continues to thrive as a democratic, research-oriented society.

Sincerely,

Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt, President of GGSB

On behalf of the Georgian-German Science Bridge (GGSB), GSI, FZJ, HZDR