Modern science and education require international networking to tackle and find reliable solutions to global challenges. At the same time, trends can be observed worldwide that are making international cooperation increasingly difficult. Whether due to reasons of general security or the influence in authoritarian ruled countries on the freedom of science and its systematic restriction, researchers and teachers are increasingly confronted with the following question: How can international cooperation in challenging situations be organized in a cooperative and competent manner without violating one's own basic values or affecting the indisputable good of scientific freedom?
TU Berlin is dedicated to facilitating scientific and teaching cooperation including under difficult conditions. Isolation is not a solution in international scientific cooperation. Indeed the past has sufficiently shown that in situations where political discourse is hardly possible, scientific dialog and exchange can continue to contribute to viable relationships, thus strengthening civil societies in countries with significant restrictions.
However, it is vital that everyone involved in such cooperation understands the risks and benefits. TU Berlin calls on researchers to assume personal responsibility. Additionally, the University's Department of International Affairs, in particular International Scientific Cooperation, International Projects, and Transnational Education, provides members of the University with the necessary support for cooperation under difficult circumstances.