Knowledge Equity NetworkUniversität Hamburg Joins Network for More Open and Equitable Scholarship

19 June 2023, by Claudia Sewig

Photo: UHH/Víctor González Menéndez

The University’s president, Prof. Dr. Hauke Heekeren, Prof. Simone Buitendijk, and Prof. Dr. Laura Marie Edinger-Schons (from left) after signing the KEN Declaration in Hamburg

How can we ensure that knowledge is available to all for fruitful exchange and use? This is the question that the Knowledge Equity Network (KEN), of which Universität Hamburg has just become a member, asks. The network’s goal is to address global challenges by making path-breaking research and research-based education accessible to all.

The University of Leeds, one of the University’s profile partners, initiated an international network in 2022. When Prof. Simone Buitendijk, president of the University of Leeds and founder of the Knowledge Equity Network, visited Hamburg for the Global University Leaders Council (GUC) Hamburg, Universität Hamburg’s president Prof. Dr. Hauke Heekeren and chief sustainability officer Prof. Dr. Laura Marie Edinger-Schons used the opportunity to sign the KEN Declaration on Knowledge Equity.

Advocating for change in academia

Prof. Dr. Hauke Heekeren, president of Universität Hamburg: “At Universität Hamburg, we are happy to become a member of the Knowledge Equity Network. In this global network, we, as a University of Excellence, stand up more actively and more visibly for open and equitable scholarship. Knowledge needs to be made available and exchanged as best as possible. This was also a focus topic at this year’s Global University Leaders Council Hamburg. Here, too, we want to continue on this path as a flagship institution in the City of Hamburg and with our national and international partners.”

Prof. Simone Buitendijk, president of the University of Leeds: “Global cooperation and the pursuit of shared goals are vital if we want to address the planet’s greatest challenges. It was an honor for me to take part in the Global University Leaders Council in Hamburg and to foster our ongoing conversation about cooperation in research and global scientific exchange. The conversations contribute to changing academic culture and our new Knowledge Equity Network creates global partnerships that will also work towards a better future for all by facilitating fair access to knowledge and higher education.”

Prof. Dr. Laura Marie Edinger-Schons, chief sustainability officer for Universität Hamburg: “The topics of open science and social justice are closely interwoven. Outcome-driven, eye-to-eye partnerships between universities the world over are crucial for inspiring changes in our academic system. Together, we can drive this change!”

Committed institutions, organizations, and individuals

KEN is an international network of committed institutions, organizations, and individuals. Universität Hamburg is the sixth university to join the network, which currently includes 11 organizations and 67 individuals. KEN offers regular opportunities to confer, as a global community, in forums and discussions to advance the cause of openness. It is pursuing a cultural change in world-wide higher education—towards collaborative, more equitable, and more open approaches.

See the Knowledge Equity Network’s homepage for more information and the declaration.