Happy Birthday, UBT!

The Margravial Opera House was filled to capacity: alumni, politicians, the university’s large circle of friends, students, professors, staff, and citizens of Bayreuth — anyone who managed to get a ticket could count themselves lucky. The festive program — welcome speeches, a keynote address, and a talk titled 'What was it like back then?' — was framed by performances from the University of Bayreuth’s symphony orchestra and university choir. The evening began with a film that captured the essence of the UBT spirit: a familial atmosphere, a green campus, internationality, excellent and exciting research, and positive vibes.

Dr. Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space, experienced it herself: she is an alumna of the University of Bayreuth. In her heartfelt greeting, she reflected on her time as a student and research assistant: “The fact that this university existed here in a rural area made it possible for me — a girl from a small village — to study at all, and ultimately to become who I am today,” she said. With almost affectionate words, she thanked the University of Bayreuth “and everyone who contributes to what it is today.”

Bavaria’s Minister of Science, Markus Blume, was another prominent well-wisher: “Happy Birthday, University of Bayreuth – our oldest young university in Bavaria turns 50! What began small and delicate has become an extremely successful hub of innovation and a magnet for talent, shaping an entire region. Modest in appearance, dynamic and ambitious in substance – this combination makes the University of Bayreuth truly irresistible, even for me as Minister of Science. For the next 50 years, the University of Bayreuth will mature from a young rebel into a great, tradition-rich institution.” A statement that was especially well received in Bayreuth: “I promise: we will make much more possible here. The University of Bayreuth is now an indispensable part of Bavaria – one of our absolute gems.”

In his ceremonial address, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Stefan Leible not only outlined the history and unique characteristics of the University of Bayreuth, but also offered a thoughtful perspective on the role of universities today: “Especially in these times, let us preserve and nurture this place of encounter and factual — though sometimes heated — discussion. As a place of research, teaching, and innovation, we are not only transmitters of knowledge, but also drivers and shapers of societal change. At the same time, I am concerned about how difficult it is becoming for science to be heard. Despite clear data and growing economic and infrastructural challenges, we are witnessing the deliberate spread of misinformation and the sowing of doubt. Scientists who speak uncomfortable truths face resistance — sometimes even hostility. It’s not easy to be popular when addressing uncomfortable topics. But that is precisely our task. We must have the courage to stand by facts, even when they are inconvenient. We must create spaces for factual discourse — and we must make our findings understandable and accessible.”

In his keynote speech, Prof. Dr. Jan-Otmar Hesse, economic historian and chair of economic and social history, explained what makes a university founded in 1975 so extraordinary: the oil crisis had stalled economic growth, and the world was entering a period of crises and tensions. “But the founders of our university were not discouraged by this! I find that truly remarkable. If you look at the documents, you won’t find complaints or lamentations, but rather determined and constructive efforts to build something new.

The talk titled “What was it like back then?” focused on humorous anecdotes and personal memories. University spokesperson Anja-Maria Meister interviewed Prof. Dr. Walter Zimmermann, one of the first students at the University of Bayreuth, later Chair of Theoretical Physics and now Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Senior Professor. He shared his experiences from the time when the university began its lectures on a construction site in what was then described by Bayreuth’s mayor as a “politically underdeveloped region for higher education.” A generation of students grew up wearing rubber boots.

A similar spirit of improvisation was required in 2020 in Kulmbach, where the newest part of the university is now located. Prof. Dr. Janin Henkel-Oberländer, Chair of Nutritional Biochemistry and the first elected Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences in Kulmbach, spoke about the “improv theater” that has since evolved into a fully established — and highly successful — university operation.

The University of Bayreuth’s Africa research is also thriving (keyword: “Cluster of Excellence”) and contributes significantly to the university’s identity. Prof. Dr. Erdmute Alber, Chair of Social Anthropology and member of the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence, shared insights from the university’s recent past. Meanwhile, Bayreuth’s mayor Thomas Ebersberger, a law alumnus of the university, looked further back, reminiscing about student parties in the late 1970s and reflecting on how deeply the University of Bayreuth now shapes the city itself.

The highlight of the evening was the conferral of the honorary title of Senator: During the ceremony, the University of Bayreuth named Stephanie Czerny an Honorary Senator. A former member of the university council, Stephanie Czerny is a visionary who has helped shape Europe’s digital future like few others — with foresight, passion, and an unwavering belief in the power of connectivity. “Her special talent lies in bringing people together who inspire one another and create something new together. As a passionate networker and expert in perfect matches, she connects brilliant minds around the world, helping to elevate ideas and concepts to new heights and ultimately make them take flight,” the laudation stated.

Stephanie Czerny has left a lasting mark on the University of Bayreuth not only through her role on the university council. Serving the maximum term of eight years (from 2015 to 2023), she played a key role in guiding the university’s transformation into a modern and innovative institution of the 21st century. Even today, she continues to use her extensive network to raise the University of Bayreuth’s profile internationally among the global tech and digital elite.