Ministry of Education and Research of Germany facts for kids
| Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung | |
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 20 October 1955 (Federal Ministry for Nuclear Energy Affairs) |
| Jurisdiction | top tier |
| Headquarters | Bonn |
| Minister responsible |
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| Website | www.bmbf.de/ |
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (which is called Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung in German, or BMBF for short) is a really important government office in Germany. Think of it as the main place where big decisions about schools, universities, and new discoveries are made for the whole country. Its main office is in Bonn, and it also has another office in Berlin.
How the Ministry Started
This important ministry began a long time ago, on October 20, 1955. Back then, it had a different name: the Federal Ministry for Nuclear Affairs. Its main job was to look into things like nuclear energy.
Changes Over the Years
Over time, the ministry's name and its main tasks changed a few times:
- In 1957, it became the Federal Ministry of Nuclear Affairs and Water-supply and Distribution. This meant it also looked after water supplies.
- In 1962, its name changed again to the Federal Ministry of Scientific Research. This showed that it was focusing more on all kinds of science.
- In 1969, it became the Federal Ministry for Education and Science. This was a big change, as it started to focus on schools and learning.
- In 1972, a new ministry was created, called the Federal Ministry of Research and Technology. This ministry focused on new inventions and discoveries.
- In 1994, the two ministries, Education and Science and Research and Technology, joined together.
- Finally, in 1998, it got its current name: the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. This name clearly shows its two main jobs today: helping with education and supporting new research.
Who Leads the Ministry?
The person in charge of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research is called the Federal Minister. This person is a very important politician in Germany. They help decide how schools work, what kind of research gets money, and how Germany can stay a leader in science and learning.
Many different people have been the Federal Minister over the years. Each minister has worked to improve education and research in Germany. For example, Johanna Wanka was the minister when this article was written.
- Peter Weingart: Das Wissensministerium : ein halbes Jahrhundert Forschungs- und Bildungspolitik in Deutschland Velbrück Wiss., Weilerswist 2006, ISBN: 978-3-938808-18-4
