The ministry is responsible for the state´s educational institutions - from all its kindergartens and schools to further training programmes for its teachers. University and research policy is the second focus of the ministry´s activities. The third focal point is promoting the state´s culture in all of its diversity. The division also includes the State Centre for Political Education and the office of the State Commissioner for the Files of the State Security Service of the Former GDR. The State Minister for Education, Science and Culture is Henry Tesch.