The IPU Berlin has achieved one of its important goals as a young university: the Senate Department for Higher Education and Research, Health and Long-Term Care has awarded it the independent right to award doctorates. This means that graduates can now also do a doctorate at the IPU after completing their studies. This decision follows a recommendation by the German Council of Science and Humanities, which classifies the university as strong in research and adequate for a university.
In addition to reaccreditation, i.e. the state recognition for a further five years, the right to award doctorates represents a significant expansion of the IPU's academic offering. This opens up new perspectives, particularly for prospective researchers in the fields of psychology and psychotherapy. Many doctorates are completed as part of comprehensive research projects, which also further strengthens the IPU's research capacities.
In its statement, the Science Council emphasizes the unique psychoanalytical orientation of the IPU. This not only complements the research landscape of state universities, but also sets the IPU apart from them with its specific profile. The progress made in the areas of research, teaching, personnel and infrastructure is also acknowledged.
IPU President Prof. Jan-Hendrik Olbertz emphasizes the significance of this development: “We are a research-strong university. The awarding of the right to award doctorates is a big and important step for the future profiling of the IPU. We can now lead young academics from their studies to their doctorate and thus fulfill an important academic task.”
This milestone benefits not only students and teachers, but also numerous national and international partners of the IPU in the fields of science, psychosocial care, and culture. The IPU is thus strengthening its position as a leading institution in the field of psychoanalytically oriented research and teaching.