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Cafeteria and Bavarian Geoinstitute to Be Upgraded

The University of Bayreuth will benefit from additional investments by the Free State of Bavaria in higher education infrastructure. Through the Act on the Financing of Infrastructure Investments by Federal States and Municipalities (LuKIFG), the university will receive a total of €11.2 million for two major maintenance and modernization projects. Of this amount, €5.5 million will be invested in upgrading the university cafeteria (Mensa), while €5.7 million will be allocated to the modernization of the Bavarian Geoinstitute (BGI).

by Jennifer Opel; Photos: Claudia Wittman ·

The funding awarded to the University of Bayreuth is part of a broader investment program from which the Upper Franconia region will benefit with approximately €22 million in total.

Modernization of the Mensa

Main Entrance Cafeteria

The funding will primarily be used to modernize the cafeteria’s technical infrastructure. The focus will be on a comprehensive overhaul of the cooking and food preparation areas. Plans include the installation of state-of-the-art cooking equipment that is more reliable and significantly more energy-efficient. This will reduce both electricity and water consumption while accelerating food preparation processes.


In addition, key components of the ventilation system will be upgraded or replaced. These measures will help ensure consistently high hygiene standards in the workplace and secure the long-term operation of the cafeteria for years to come.

Important preparatory work has already been completed in recent years. For example, the electrical supply system and several distribution networks were modernized to ensure reliable operation. The cafeteria roof has also been gradually refurbished. The newly approved funding will now make it possible to address further urgently needed measures in a targeted manner.


BGI: Investing in Safety and Future Viability

The Bavarian Geoinstitute will also receive substantial support, with €5.7 million allocated to the facility. The primary focus will be on comprehensive fire safety improvements. Planned measures include upgrading walls to meet modern fire protection standards, replacing fire dampers within the ventilation system, and expanding the fire detection system.

Bavarian Research Institute of Experimental Geochemistry and Geophysics (BGI)

A key objective of the project is the lasting improvement of emergency escape and rescue routes. Existing scaffold towers are to be replaced with permanent staircase towers that will serve as additional emergency exits. This will significantly enhance the building’s safety and ensure compliance with current requirements over the long term.

These projects rank among the most urgent construction-related measures on the Bayreuth campus and will provide the necessary conditions for the building to continue operating safely while meeting the high standards required for research and teaching.

“These funds enable us to carry out very important renewals of our infrastructure and thereby keep it operational. Upgrading the technology in the cooking area is essential for us as a campus university in order to maintain the high quality and quantity of our catering services. Our cafeteria is a key element of campus life for students, employees, and visitors, and it is highly valued by all. At the same time, these projects also demonstrate that further modernization measures will be necessary in the coming years to ensure that our infrastructure remains fit for the future in the long term,” emphasized Chancellor Dr. Nicole Kaiser.

With these investments, two key facilities at the University of Bayreuth are being strengthened: the Mensa as an important hub of campus life and the Bavarian Geoinstitute as a significant research infrastructure.

Jennifer Opel

Jennifer Opel

Deputy Press Officer

University of Bayreuth
Phone: +49 (0)921  - 55 5893 57
Mail: jennifer.opel@uni-bayreuth.de

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