AStA
Open letter from LAK HH on the closure of the Centre for Disability Studies and Participation Research
24 November 2025
On behalf of the Hamburg State Student Council Conference (LAK HH), we would like to express our criticism of the announced closure of the Centre for Disability Studies and Participation Research (ZeDiSplus) in Hamburg.
1. The importance of the centre
ZeDiSplus, originally founded at the University of Hamburg and later relocated to the Evangelische Hochschule Rauhes Haus, has been a nationally unique research and teaching institution in the field of disability studies for over 20 years. Disability studies is a critical, emancipatory science that views disabilities not as a primary deficit, but as a social phenomenon. [1]
The institution makes important contributions to inclusive research, teaching and the promotion of participation, and is a location where expertise from and with people with disabilities is institutionally anchored.
The closure therefore means not only the loss of an institution, but also the loss of expertise, visibility and structural sustainability in a central field of higher education and social policy.
2. Our criticisms of the planned closure
Contradiction to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities:
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires participation, research and expertise from people with disabilities, especially in the field of inclusive education and science.[2] Closing ZeDiSplus fundamentally contradicts this mandate. The discipline of disability studies is not a ‘disposable science’ but a social mandate.
Uncertain future for employees:
The Senate plans to integrate disability studies into existing structures at HAW Hamburg, but it remains unclear how the independent research and teaching programme will be maintained. Officially, employees have been ‘invited to apply’. This is causing great uncertainty among those affected and heightening concerns about a potential break-up.
Economically and ideologically motivated cuts:
It is no coincidence that the measure is being presented as part of ‘austerity policy’, but it clearly shows a misplaced prioritisation. Not only are financial resources affected, but the long-term benefits of an inclusive science and higher education policy are also being jeopardised.
Signal effect:
In a context where there are only three chairs in the field of disability studies in Germany anyway, the closure of ZeDiSplus represents a serious weakening of Germany as a research location in this field.
3. Our demands
The LAK HH makes the following four demands:
- No closure of ZeDiSplus: The centre must remain an independent research and teaching institution.
- Securing full funding: Permanent and reliable funding must be guaranteed, not just through transitional arrangements or integration into other structures.
- Mandatory inclusion of the perspectives of those affected: Researchers with disabilities must be involved in leadership roles, while the centre must be strengthened through participatory processes.
- Sustainable strategy for inclusion in science and teaching: Instead of closing the centre, a strategic concept for research and teaching in the field of inclusion and disability studies is needed.
- Final remark
The planned closure of ZeDiSplus sends the wrong message: to students with disabilities, to researchers, to the higher education landscape and to society as a whole. We at LAK HH consider this step to be counterproductive and regressive for inclusive science and higher education policy and urge a rethink.
We are ready to enter into dialogue with the Senate and other stakeholders as student representatives and to help shape constructive ways of achieving a sustainable, inclusive science in Hamburg.
With solidarity,
The LandesAStenkonferenz Hamburg
[1] https://taz.de/Sparpolitik-in-Hamburg/!6102164/
You want to participate? You can find the petition against the closure of the ZeDiS here.