Removal from the mapping of small subjects as of winter semester 2025/2026
At the beginning of the winter semester 2025/26, midwifery science will have a new status in the German university landscape: it will be removed from the list of so-called "minor subjects". This marks a significant milestone in the development of the discipline and can be seen as a visible sign of the successful establishment of midwifery science at German universities.
Since the reform of the Midwifery Act in 2019 and the associated introduction of a primary qualifying degree course, a considerable academic infrastructure has developed throughout Germany.
According to the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Hebammenwissenschaft e.V. (DGHWi) and the Hebammenwissenschaftlichen Fachbereichstag e.V. (HWFT), there are currently 47 primary qualifying midwifery degree courses in Germany (2,3,4). 66.5 professorships have been established for this purpose at 39 university locations, with more than three professorships established at individual locations.
The latest developments underline both the dynamic development of the subject and the ongoing professionalization process of the midwifery profession. From the perspective of the Midwifery Science Faculty Conference (HWFT), basic structures have been created, but there are still differences in implementation at the individual university locations. Comprehensive and sustainable establishment of midwifery science therefore continues to require comprehensive support. In this context, the German Council of Science and Humanities also emphasizes in its 2023 statement that the further development of the discipline can only succeed if the health professions - especially in research, education and the promotion of young talent - are supported in a targeted and sustainable manner.
As the higher education policy lobby for its member universities, the HWFT will continue to work to ensure that these recommendations are implemented and the framework conditions are improved.
The removal from the map also demonstrates the increased visibility, institutional anchoring and recognized relevance of midwifery science in the canon of health and social sciences. This has created a solid basis for further expanding research, education and evidence-based practice in midwifery.
The Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society is a member of the Midwifery Science Faculty Council e.V. (HWFT). Vice President Prof. Nina Knape, Ph. D., Professor of Midwifery Science, is also a member of the HWFT Presidium.
Further information can be found at:
Kleine Fächer-Online. (n.d.). Midwifery Science.www. kleinefaecher.de/kartierung/kleine-faecher-von-a-z/hebammenwissenschaft
German Society for Midwifery Science. (n.d.). Primary qualifying Bachelor's degree programs.www.dghwi.de/studium-forschung/studiengange/
Midwifery Science Faculty Conference. (n.d.). Publications.hebammenwissenschaftlicher-fachbereichstag. de/de/publications/filter:publication
Grieshop, M., Luegmair, K., Werner-Bierwisch, T., & Todorow, H. (2025). Developing framework conditions for the study of midwifery together. Public Health Forum, 33(1), 80-82. https://doi.org/10.1515/pubhef-2024-0138
German Council of Science and Humanities. (2023). Perspectives for the further development of the health professions: Recognizing and using scientific potential for health care. German Council of Science and Humanities. www. wissenschaftsrat.de/download/2023/4011-23.pdf
Contact:
Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society
Department of Social and Health Care
Prof. Nina Knape, Ph.D.
Professor of Midwifery
Email: nina.knape@ 8< SPAM protection, please remove >8 hwg-lu.de
