Göttingen University expresses sympathy for victims in Japan

"Göttingen University is deeply moved by the catastrophe in Japan. Our sympathy goes out to those affected by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. At the moment, we know very little about the status of our alumni in the region or the families of Japanese scientists and students who are currently in Göttingen," said Professor Hiltraud Casper-Hehne, Vice President for Research and International.

Göttingen University has maintained relationships with several Japanese universities for years, including especially close contact with universities in Sendai, Kyoto and Osaka. Tohoku University in Sendai, a Göttinen University partner school, was directly affected by the catastrophe. The department Göttingen International has been unable to reach the university's partner schools in Kyoto and Osaka since Friday and has no more detailed information about the situation there. However, a German student from Göttingen University who returned from Sendai shortly before the earthquake has been able to contact Tohuku. He said downtown Sendai was only lightly unaffected by the earthquake but that university buildings had been damaged. There is no electricity, no water and, in some departments, all the equipment has been destroyed. The biology faculty's building was destroyed by the earthquake as was most of the chemistry building.
"As soon as Göttingen University is once again in touch with the administration in Sendai, we will join with our Japanese partners to decide how we can best help," said Professor Casper-Hehne.

Several Japanese scientists as well as 29 Japanese students are currently at Göttingen University. President Professor Ulrike Beisiegel invited the students and scientists to her office on March 15 to discuss the situation in Japan as well as their personal feelings and to offer assistance. 16 of the visiting scientists and students accepted the president's invitation.