Deutsches Zentrum für Hochschul- und Wissenschaftsforschung
The
The German Centre for Higher Education and Science Research (DZHW)
editThe German Centre for Higher Education and Science Research (DZHW) is a research institute funded by the federal government and the states, positioning itself as an international competence center for higher education and science research. With its headquarters in Hanover and additional branches in Leipzig and Berlin, the DZHW conducts application-oriented empirical research in the field of the higher education and science system.
Key Products and Services
edit- Data Collection and Analysis: The DZHW conducts comprehensive data collection and analysis on students, graduates, lifelong learning, as well as governance and financing in the higher education and science system. This includes long-term studies on study-eligible individuals, first-year students, students, and university graduates[1][2][3].
- Research-Based Services: The center provides research-based services for higher education and science policy to support policymakers, universities, and educational administration in shaping higher education in Germany and Europe[1][2][3].
- Research Infrastructure: The DZHW operates a research data center that makes the data of the center and other data-collecting institutions available for research[1][2].
Main Mission and Values
editThe main mission of the DZHW is to conduct theory-driven and practice-oriented research to provide important information for comprehensive and sustainable evidence-based higher education and education policy. The center sees itself as a partner and service provider for science as well as science policy and contributes the results of its research to the scientific discourse[1][2].
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
edit- Longitudinal Studies and Data Analysis: By conducting longitudinal studies and continuously updating data such as dropout rates, the DZHW contributes to the sustainable development of the higher education system[1][4].
- International Collaboration: As the second most important host country for international researchers after the USA, the DZHW supports the internationalization of the German higher education system[2][3].
- Research on Current Challenges: The DZHW addresses current challenges such as academic freedom and research freedom worldwide and the safeguarding of university autonomy through specific research projects and publications[2][3].
Further Initiatives and Collaborations
edit- Cooperation with Universities: Close collaborations exist with Leibniz University Hannover, Humboldt University of Berlin, and University of Kassel, particularly within the framework of the Master's program "Science and Society"[1].
- Research Colloquia and Events: The DZHW regularly organizes research colloquia and events to promote scientific exchange and present current research results[2][3].
The DZHW plays a central role in shaping and optimizing the higher education and science system by providing a solid foundation for political and educational decisions through its research and services.