Logo Universität Bayreuth
The picture shows a bird's eye view of the University of Bayreuth campus.

Our history: Half a century at a glance

Since our foundation in 1975, we have undergone remarkable development. From our humble beginnings to our standing as a distinguished institution, the history of the University of Bayreuth reflects our unwavering commitment to education, research, and social engagement.

On this page, we present the key milestones that have shaped our university. Discover the significant events, major expansions, and the influential figures who have accompanied us on our journey.

Our history is not just a retrospective—it serves as a foundation for our future aspirations. Immerse yourself in the past five decades and explore how the University of Bayreuth has evolved into the institution it is today.

Decade 1: 1975–1985: The Founding Years

Archive photo: Construction of the columns of GEO II and the deep cellar floor of NW I, 17.02.1977.

Construction of the columns of GEO II and the deep cellar floor of NW I, 1977.

Foundation stone of the University of Bayreuth from the year 1977

Foundation stone of the University of Bayreuth.

Archive image: Ecological pond, NW 1, 1981

Ecological pond, NW I, 1982.

The University of Bayreuth began operations in 1975 with 632 students and its first degree programmes. The campus quickly expanded with the construction of new faculty buildings, a canteen, and the establishment of its first research institutes, including the Iwalewahaus. In 1978, the Ecological-Botanical Garden was founded, serving both as a research facility and a resource for the wider public.

Decade 2: 1986–1995: Growth and New Impetus

Archive photo: Sports center, 1988.

Sports center, 1988.

Audimax of the University of Bayreuth, taken in the 1990s

Audimax, 1990s.

Archive image: Bavarian Geoinstitute, 1990s.

Bavarian Geoinstitute, 1990s.

The University of Bayreuth continued to grow, marked by the establishment of the Bavarian Geoinstitute and the expansion of its research infrastructure. Key developments included the construction of the Central Library, the Audimax, and the Sports Centre. The university reached another milestone in 1995 with the founding of its sixth faculty, alongside the creation of its first graduate college and the appointment of its first women's representative, setting new standards in academic and institutional development.

Decade 3: 1996–2005: Profile Development and Structural Expansion

Aerial view of the University of Bayreuth campus from the south-east, 1999.

Aerial view from the southeast, 1999.

Archive image: FAN building in the 2000s.

Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, 2000s.

Archive picture: GWII at its opening in 2001

The GWII at its opening in 2001.

This decade saw further expansion with the opening of the Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences and the construction of a new building for Cultural Studies. The university strengthened its research profile by developing nine specialised fields and implementing the bachelor's and master's degree system as part of the Bologna Process. In 1998, the University Council was established to provide strategic guidance and support for the institution's continued growth.

Click on our timeline for details

Zeitstrahl zum 50-jährigen Uni-Jubiläum.

Decade 4: 2006–2015: Innovation and Challenges

Archive image: RW I building, 2009.

Building RW I, 2009.

Archive image: PNS building, 2012.

PNS building, 2012.

Archive image: Mensa extension, Frischraum, 2014.

Mensa extension, Frischraum, 2014.

The University of Bayreuth focused on expanding its research landscape with the establishment of centres such as the Bayreuth Materials Centre and the Fraunhofer Centre for High Temperature Lightweight Construction. The campus saw significant growth, with the addition of buildings like Law I and Natural Sciences III, while the launch of the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) reinforced the university's commitment to global research collaboration. During this period, the canteen was also modernised with the introduction of the Fresh Room, and new initiatives such as the Children's University were introduced. In 2013, the Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences was renamed the Faculty of Engineering.

Decade 5: 2016–2025: Strengthening the Profile and International Orientation

Photo of the TAO building at the University of Bayreuth

TAO building, 2018.

Aerial view of the Kulmbach spinning mill, 2018.

Aerial view of the Kulmbach spinning mill, 2018.

Campus of the University of Bayreuth, 2024.

Campus of the University of Bayreuth, 2024.

With the construction of the TAO (Technology and Application-Oriented) Building, the University of Bayreuth made another key investment in campus infrastructure. It was awarded the prestigious Cluster of Excellence "Africa Multiple," founded the Bayreuth Humboldt Centre, and expanded further with the opening of its seventh faculty—Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health—in Kulmbach. The establishment of the Bavarian Centre for Battery Technology (BayBatt) positioned the university as a leader in battery research and sustainable energy solutions.

In 2021, the university set a strategic course for the future by adopting a comprehensive internationalisation strategy and launching a sustainability initiative, making it one of Bavaria’s pioneers in sustainable development. These measures reflect the University of Bayreuth’s commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and environmental responsibility.

Unichronik

The University Chronicle from 1969 to the present offers a comprehensive overview of the University of Bayreuth’s development.