On Monday 2 February 2026, Luxembourg's Ministry of Research and Higher Education announced the launch of an external audit of the governance of the University of Luxembourg (Uni.lu).
In light of the various accounts, criticisms and questions reported in the press in recent weeks concerning the operations of the University of Luxembourg - particularly regarding appointment and promotion procedures, hierarchical relationships and, more broadly, the work environment - and following discussions held within the Parliamentary Committee on Higher Education, Research and Digitalisation on Tuesday 27 January 2026, Luxembourg's Minister for Research and Higher Education, Stéphanie Obertin, reaffirmed that these matters are being "treated with the utmost seriousness".
Since the first public reports emerged, the minister has sought to gain as comprehensive a picture as possible of the situation, noted the ministry. To this end, she conducted a series of "in-depth" interviews, notably with the Rector of the University of Luxembourg, the Chair of the Governing Board, the Chair of the Staff Delegation and the Chair of the Student Representation. According to the ministry, these discussions allowed her to gather complementary perspectives and better understand the concerns expressed.
Minister Obertin reiterated that the well-being of staff and students, the quality of the work environment and the transparency and fairness of internal procedures are "absolute priorities". Any situation that could compromise these fundamental principles must be rigorously analysed and addressed appropriately, she added.
In this context, considering all the information brought to her attention and after reviewing the terms of reference for the external audit decided upon by the university's Governing Board, the minister has decided to commission an external audit focusing on the governance of the University of Luxembourg. This audit will be commissioned and overseen by the Ministry of Research and Higher Education, which will also be responsible for defining its terms of reference.
The objective of this audit is to examine, independently and thoroughly, the university's governance mechanisms, the respective roles and compositions of the various bodies, as well as the framework governing procedures, decision-making processes, codes of ethics and professional conduct, and potential conflicts of interest. A procedure will be launched to appoint an external service provider with the necessary expertise.
This audit, ordered by the ministry, is complementary to the external audit already announced by the university's Governing Board. The latter, based on specifications defined by the Governing Board in its capacity as the university's oversight body, focuses more specifically on the work environment, related internal procedures and practices, as well as academic recruitment and promotion processes.
Minister Obertin's decision to launch a separate audit at the ministerial level aims to integrate these analyses into a broader approach, enabling a comprehensive and coherent assessment of the situation at the University of Luxembourg. This approach is intended to cover all levels of governance and to provide clarity on any potential dysfunctions, regardless of their nature or extent.
Both audits share a common objective: to contribute to a factual and independent analysis of the situation, identify any dysfunctions and, where appropriate, formulate concrete recommendations to improve practices and strengthen trust within the institution.
The precise timelines for the publication of the terms of reference and the conduct of the two audits will be communicated once they have been finalised.
The minister emphasised her commitment to an approach based on listening, transparency and accountability. She stated that the situation of the University of Luxembourg, its staff and its students is being followed "with the greatest attention, with a clear desire to address the difficulties reported in an open and constructive manner, in the interest of the institution and its entire community."
See also: Uni.lu Responds to Allegations Relating to Workplace Culture
