Half a Century, a Full Success

"Today, we are not just unveiling a timeline – we are unveiling the story of half a century of passion, pioneering spirit, and community," said University President Stefan Leible. It is a story that began in 1975 on a small scale: with 632 enrolled students and 22 professorships across three faculties. Today, the University of Bayreuth is an internationally connected research institution with nearly 12,000 students, 190 degree programmes, seven faculties, 281 professors, and 1,350 additional researchers.

In November 1975, Prof. Dr. Erwin Beck gave the first lecture in Bayreuth. Just a year later, the university set the course for what continues to define its campus today: interdisciplinarity. With its four initial research priorities – African Studies, Experimental Ecology, Macromolecular Chemistry, and Music Theatre Research – the foundation was laid. Since its establishment, researchers at the University of Bayreuth have worked together to tackle the major challenges of our time, from microplastics and biomaterials to artificial intelligence.

Importantly, research findings are not confined to campus but are shared with the Upper Franconia region and beyond. "We are proud to be a driving force for Upper Franconia, whether through our Faculty in Kulmbach, which focuses on nutrition and health, or through start-ups that transition from lecture halls into the business world," said Leible. "And who would have thought in 1975 that our seminar rooms would one day produce 'Checker Julian' or the Secretary General of the German Football Association?"

The timeline, he continued, is more than just a chronicle – it is "a reflection of what defines us, because behind each of these milestones stand people. The 281 professors conducting research here today. The 12,000 students who are shaping the future with curiosity. The 2,661 staff members who build bridges between theory and practice every day. To all of you, I extend my heartfelt thanks – you are the University of Bayreuth."

However, the timeline does not end in 2025; it will continue to grow – with the Africa Research Centre, set to open in May, with RAIS², which is shaping AI responsibly, and with every graduate who carries the Bayreuth spirit into the world.

"A university thrives on the courage to think in new ways," Leible concluded, quoting founding president Klaus Dieter Wolff. Leible remains committed to this spirit – with pride in what has been achieved and excitement for what lies ahead.

More informationen: https://www.uni-bayreuth.de/en/press-release/50-years-university-of-bayreuth

The Chronicle of UBT: https://www.uni-bayreuth.de/en/chronicle