WEBVTT - generated by Videoportal Universität Freiburg 1 00:00:05.419 --> 00:00:11.060 Dear University of Freiburg Members, It has been nearly a year since the coronavirus 2 00:00:11.060 --> 00:00:17.019 arrived at the University. Our greatest fears were actually realized. 3 00:00:17.019 --> 00:00:20.300 There has not been a “quick ending” to the pandemic. 4 00:00:20.300 --> 00:00:27.219 In the meantime, we look back on our second digital semester and still find ourselves in lockdown. 5 00:00:27.219 --> 00:00:29.420 It is not clear what the future holds. 6 00:00:29.420 --> 00:00:33.619 Policy-makers have demanded that we stick 7 00:00:33.619 --> 00:00:38.939 to the agreed-upon measures and hygiene regulations. We have also been thanked a lot - 8 00:00:38.939 --> 00:00:44.820 for the consideration we have shown for each other, for the understanding we have shown, for the protective measures 9 00:00:44.820 --> 00:00:47.920 and for the commitment we have shown in the crisis. 10 00:00:47.920 --> 00:00:52.240 But at this point, I have the impression that many of us are tired. 11 00:00:52.240 --> 00:00:57.560 As well-intentioned as the appeals and words of thanks may be - people don't want to hear them anymore. 12 00:00:57.560 --> 00:01:02.000 Why am I speaking to you as University rector anyway? 13 00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:08.000 The answer is that because even after almost a year of living with the pandemic, we cannot take for granted 14 00:01:08.000 --> 00:01:13.000 that we as a University community are handling this challenge so well. 15 00:01:13.000 --> 00:01:18.000 Because I am aware that you have to face hardships day after day. 16 00:01:18.000 --> 00:01:24.000 Because I myself know what it means to connect with other people almost exclusively through the screen. 17 00:01:24.000 --> 00:01:31.000 We have all persevered brilliantly. And that's the only reason we've managed to avoid a major corona outbreak 18 00:01:31.000 --> 00:01:38.000 at our university so far. We can be proud of that. That is our merit 19 00:01:38.000 --> 00:01:45.000 and our significant contribution to containing the number of infections. We should not forget that. 20 00:01:45.000 --> 00:01:51.000 It is important to me personally to once again express my deepest gratitude to all of you for this - 21 00:01:51.000 --> 00:01:54.000 even if you are tired of hearing it. 22 00:01:54.000 --> 00:01:59.000 As rector, I am unfortunately limited in what I can for you beyond expressing my thanks. But I can assure you 23 00:01:59.000 --> 00:02:04.000 that the rectorate will continue to work hard 24 00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:10.000 to implement new federal and state requirements as quickly as possible. We will also continue to make sure, 25 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:14.000 that we find the best possible solutions for all of you. 26 00:02:14.000 --> 00:02:22.000 And last but not least, I want to encourage you: Basic research at universities 27 00:02:22.000 --> 00:02:27.000 has laid the foundation for vaccine development. Our vaccination center in Freiburg 28 00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:33.000 started work a few weeks ago. No one can predict how long the pandemic will have us in its grip. 29 00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:39.000 But this much is certain for me: we will survive it and if we don't give up now, 30 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:43.000 an end to the restrictive measures will come true. 31 00:02:43.000 --> 00:02:49.000 The summer semester will begin in just a few weeks. I hope that by then 32 00:02:49.000 --> 00:02:54.000 some loosening will be possible again - perhaps with hybrid seminars 33 00:02:54.000 --> 00:02:59.000 or with a partial opening of the libraries. In any case, we will continue 34 00:02:59.000 --> 00:03:05.000 to inform you as soon as possible or exchange ideas with you 35 00:03:05.000 --> 00:03:10.000 on how things will proceed in the summer semester. Until then, I wish you 36 00:03:10.000 --> 00:03:17.000 a nice and relaxing lecture break - stay healthy!