University of Tübingen: Handover of office at the University of Tübingen
The change of office at the head of the University of Tübingen has now also been officially completed: In a celebratory ceremony on Tuesday, Professor Bernd Engler bid farewell after 16 years as rector and his successor, Professor Karla Pollmann, became the first female rector in the more than 500-year history of the university introduced. The new rector was elected by the University Council and Senate in April 2022. Their term of office is six years.
Baden-Württemberg’s Science Minister Petra Olschowski said: “Professor Karla Pollmann has a wide range of international experience in science management and is a proven scientist. She brings with her an enormous variety of perspectives, which is very valuable in order to further strengthen the University of Tübingen in national and international competition and to lead this traditional university into a successful future. I am also very pleased that this is the first time in the university’s more than 500-year history that a woman has been appointed to the top.”
After 16 years in office, Prof. Dr. Bernd Engler the new Rector, Prof. Dr. Karla Pollmann, the chain of office of the University of Tübingen.
“Bernd Engler has mastered the most important task of the rector of a university excellently over many years: enabling the best science,” said Professor Matthias Kleiner, former President of the Leibniz Association and long-time companion of Bernd Engler in his speech. “I wish Karla Pollmann to be at least as successful in this function and to go her own new way, away from the footsteps of her predecessor.”
Engler had led the university since 2006. During his tenure, she achieved excellence status in 2012 and successfully defended it in 2019. Engler wished his successor every success. The support of the entire University of Tübingen as well as friends and sponsors is important. “For the next round of the Excellence Strategy, which begins in 2023, it is extremely important that the university moves forward with determination and with combined forces. I am sure that with you at the helm, this can be achieved.”
“Tübingen is a world-class university that has made impressive progress under my predecessor. I will be able to build on that very well,” said the new rector, Professor Karla Pollmann. In her first few weeks in Tübingen, she was able to have many good conversations with committed people. “I’m looking forward to an exciting time and getting to know each other and I hope that we can make things happen together.” The important upcoming tasks included a successful continuation of the Excellence Initiative and, together with the students, the further development of high-quality teaching.
“We look forward to a trusting cooperation and are convinced that with you as Rector, the university is well positioned for future challenges,” said Bernhard Sibold, Chairman of the University Council. He thanked the outgoing rector for his tireless commitment and decisive leadership. With a clear vision and great commitment, he made the University of Tübingen what it is today: “A university of excellence with cutting-edge research that enjoys a worldwide reputation and scientific reputation.”