The future of research universities

The Prussian minister, diplomat and philosopher Wilhelm von Humboldt founded the University of Berlin in 1810. His vision was of an institution that intimately intertwined research and education under one roof, giving students direct access to the leading researchers and thinkers of the time. In return, scientists would benefit from the critical inquiries of their students. Humboldt’s idea proved to be successful: The University of Berlin, which changed its name to Humboldt University in 1949 to honour its founder, quickly became an internationally renowned institution and attracted many influential philosophers and scientists.