After a year-and-a-half of intensive negotiations, the University of Hamburg adopted guidelines for itself in the summer semester of 1998. These guidelines contain the goals and corporate identity of the University as the "gateway to the world of knowledge". The six global aims of the University for each area of responsibility were put into concrete terms by target project groups and transfered into developmental steps:
Gateway to the world of knowledge: With the diversity and tradition of its subjects and curriculum, the University of Hamburg perceives itself to be a gateway to the world of knowledge.
Cosmopolitan internationalism : In the tradition of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, the University realizes liberal-mindedness and tolerance, international cooperation and the universality of science.
Freedom of research and teaching: Through research the University of Hamburg contributes to the free development of science, through teaching and studies to the realization of the right to academic education.
Education of responsible citizens: The University sees its educational task to be the development of knowledge, decision-making ability, and the ability to communicate using scientific-based arguments. It should be a place of life-long learning for all people and a public forum for cultural, social and political discussion.
Promotion of young academics: Due to its wide spectrum of subjects and the quality of its academic standards, the University of Hamburg has a special responsibility to promote young academics.
Academic freedom and social responsibility: The members of the University want to fulfill their academic duties of research and teaching, education and training in academic independence. They wish to contribute to the development of a humane, democratic and just society and to offer men and women equal access to education and science.
Connecting science and practical experience: In awareness of its social responsibility, the University of Hamburg sees itself as a mediator between science and its practical application, guided by the foundations of ecologically, socially and economically sustained development.
Center of scientific competence in the North: As a center of Hamburg's higher education and research community, the University of Hamburg, with its diverse network of scientific and practical cooperation, contributes to regional and national development.
Science in the service of the public: With its large variety of academic services and medical care utilizing the lastest research developments, the University contributes to the welfare of the public and to the fulfillment of its public and societal duties.
Interdisciplinary cooperation: In interdisciplinary cooperation among its members and offices the University develops and imparts academic methods, results and qualifications. This cooperation is based on information and transparency, democratic participation and the desire to solve problems.
Goals of university development: Guided by the idea of a cosmopolitan, academically competitive university, the University of Hamburg sets the following goals for its future development:
