University of Bayreuth celebrates 49 years with a focus on achievements and challenges

Photos (c) UBT/Peter Kolb 

The UBT had invited the professor of astrophysics at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, author, TV host, and renowned science communicator as its keynote speaker. Lesch emphasized the immense responsibility of researchers in times of conspiracy theories and fake news: “Trust is the currency we use to pay for our credibility.” His credo, “No opinions, only measurements!” became a heartfelt call to researchers to bring their knowledge into society: “Experimentation and empirical research are the most reliable ways to generate insights,” Lesch stated. However, he also urged his audience to not only share their findings but also communicate the societal implications. “Content must not only be interesting but also made relevant.” In his view, researchers should place their findings into cultural and social contexts when communicating them: the relationship between research and society must not be overlooked. “Universities must keep their windows wide open,” he concluded.

This is precisely the mission of the University of Bayreuth. Researchers are being systematically supported in bringing their findings to the public, and science communication will be a key focus in the upcoming jubilee year.

The Dies Academicus also provides an opportunity to look back and take stock. Financial challenges, demographic shifts, and political developments have significantly shaped the past year. "The impact of the war in Gaza, which has sparked intense discussions even within universities, the disappointing outcome of the global climate conference, which deeply concerns a university committed to sustainability like UBT, and a public that demands and needs clear explanations," said University President Prof. Dr. Stefan Leible. Summing up the academic year, he stated, “2024 was not an easy year, but we navigated it well, and it has strengthened the University of Bayreuth's cohesion in the long term.”

Together with Vice Presidents Prof. Dr. Nina Nestler and Prof. Dr. Susanne Tittlbach, Vice Presidents Prof. Dr. Thomas Scheibel and Prof. Dr. Martin Huber, and Gender Equality Officer Prof. Dr. Heike Feldhaar, Leible highlighted the achievements of the past months:

• Recognized Research: Establishment of the Research Center for Artificial Intelligence in Science and Society (RAIS²), a new joint graduate school "COIN" on polymer informatics with the University of Jena; "FORAnGen," a research network for AI-supported sustainable product development funded by the Bavarian Research Foundation; "GO Research," promoting gender considerations in research; "Data Protection Sandbox" for secure technology development.
• New Networks: Hosting the coordination office for the Bavaria Queensland Research Alliance in Bayreuth; co-founder of the Academic China Knowledge and Experience Network alongside TUM and LMU; coordination of the EU-funded "BUILD" consortium with eight European partners to develop person-centered care.
• Prestigious Accolades and Rankings: Designated as a “Gender Equality Strong University,” one of only 22 universities nationwide and one of two in Bavaria recognized under the Professorship Program for Women; advancement to group 401 in the Shanghai Ranking and group 301 in the THE University Ranking.
• Successful Knowledge Transfer: Establishment of the Technology Impact Hubs Upper Franconia (TIHO), enabling local businesses to learn about and implement sustainable technologies developed by UBT researchers.

The evening also included special honors: Prof. Dr. med. Bernd Kleine-Gunk was named Honorary Senator in recognition of his endowments and long-term loans of contemporary African art to the Iwalewahaus. In his acceptance speech, he passionately advocated for a new museum dedicated to African art in Bayreuth.