Saxon science is facing difficult times in view of the state's tight financial situation. "We are faced with the task of maintaining our broad-based scientific landscape with universities and research institutions at this level and at the same time advancing selected areas. In short: maintain structures, strengthen priorities," said Science Minister Sebastian Gemkow (CDU) in an interview with the German Press Agency. The focus is on areas such as semiconductors, materials research and biotechnology, in which Saxony already has great expertise.
Universities have comparatively good planning security
According to Gemkow, Saxony's universities have comparatively good planning security. "With the grant agreement, they have a clearly agreed sum for basic funding as the strongest pillar of their resources until 2032. This cannot be taken for granted in financially strained times." In addition to this, the universities could still have access to flexible funds such as special allocations and budgets, but these are tied to specific goals. "These funds do not relate to basic funding and have often been used for ongoing operations in the past. It is unclear whether this leeway will also be available in the future."
According to Gemkow, this is already leading to financial pressure at the universities. "Of course, we are all waiting with trepidation to see what the future budget will look like." According to the latest budget retreat, savings of around 2.9 billion euros have been made in Saxony's double budget. "In recent years, we have had a financial development that only knew an 'upward trend'. Now we are all facing a new situation together and have to deal with it." The universities have already dipped into their reserves for the current 2025/2026 double budget and spent available funds there. "Now it's time to get down to business."
