Celebration of 50 Years of the University of Bayreuth and of Bayreuth as a University Town

“I inaugurate the University of Bayreuth with the wish and hope that it will sustainably enrich the sciences in Bavaria, become a cultural and intellectual center in northeastern Bavaria, attract dedicated students, and serve as a truly humane addition to Bavaria’s higher education landscape,” said Bavarian Minister of Culture Hans Maier at the university’s opening ceremony in November 1975 at the Margravial Opera House.

“We have become all that – and much more,” says Prof. Dr. Stefan Leible, President of the University of Bayreuth, as the Opera House once again hosts a celebration. “We have evolved into an internationally recognized research university. Why? Because we’ve embraced the words of our founding president Klaus-Dieter Wolff: A university thrives on the courage to think anew.”

Prof. Dr. Jan-Otmar Hesse, economic historian at UBT, explains what this means: “From the very beginning, the University of Bayreuth’s success has been rooted in its focus on scientifically and socially relevant topics that lie between major disciplines. Thanks to excellent interdisciplinary collaboration, these topics are addressed more effectively in Bayreuth than at larger, more established universities.” Prof. Hesse will deliver the keynote lecture on 20 October at the Opera House.

Today, the University of Bayreuth ranks among the top in many national and international rankings, especially in teaching. It is one of Germany’s most dynamic small universities, attracting highly qualified researchers and diverse students from around the world, enriching both the city and the region. Bayreuth’s Mayor Thomas Ebersberger emphasizes: “Thanks to the steadily growing number of students over the past decades, our city has become more vibrant, youthful, and international.”

The 50th anniversary is a moment to reflect on past achievements and look ahead to the future, which the university actively helps shape. “In the coming years, we will continue to expand our outstanding research and teaching, strengthen our international profile, and position the University of Bayreuth as a global hub of science. We will also embrace our social responsibility and actively contribute to shaping the future of our region,” says Prof. Leible.

The formal highlight of the anniversary year is the ceremonial event at the Margravial Opera House. “Against the backdrop of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we celebrate the synergy of science and society, research and teaching, partnership and friendship, innovation and pioneering spirit,” says Angela Danner, lead organizer of the anniversary year.

Musical and film contributions will accompany welcome addresses, a keynote lecture, and a panel discussion on the past, present, and future of the University of Bayreuth. A special highlight will be the awarding of the honorary senator title to Steffi Czerny, networker and founder of DLD, who served on the University Council and brought the renowned DLD Campus digital tech conference to Bayreuth, significantly raising the university’s visibility.

The public is warmly invited to attend this special event. As seating is limited, we kindly ask you to reserve your tickets early. Tickets available free of charge starting 6 October 2025 via: www.concerticket.de/event/uni-bayreuth-50