At the heart of Europe and open to the world, Goethe University Frankfurt is a workshop for the future. Founded by and for citizens in 1914, it resumed this tradition in 2008 as an autonomous foundation university. Obligated by its eventful history, the University is guided by the concepts of European Enlightenment, democracy and the rule of law, and opposes racism, nationalism and antisemitism. Goethe University Frankfurt is a place of argumentative debate; research and teaching carry social responsibility. The University and its namesake – writer, thinker and naturalist Johann Wolfgang Goethe – have in common innovative thinking and interdisciplinary action.
Our main principles are:
- We address societal questions with disciplinary diversity.
- We are committed to the freedom and unity of research and teaching.
- We teach, learn and conduct research at an international level.
- We review our own performance in a constructive and critical manner.
- We see ourselves as a learning organization.
- We ensure transparent management structures and participation of all stakeholders.
- We put equal opportunity into practice.
Our thinking and action are based on our appreciation of openness and diversity. As a citizens' university, we seek to engage in a dialogue with all social groups.
* Includes modifications proposed by the University Forum on June 4, 2014, reactions to the announcement of June 30, 2014, and Senate amendments of October 8, 2014.
