Prof. Dr. Susanne Tittlbach is new Vice-President for Digitalisation, Innovation & Sustainability as of 1 September 2021

In July 2021, the Senate and University Council of the University of Bayreuth voted in not just one but two new vice-presidents. As of September 2021, the area of Digitalisation, Innovation & Sustainability will gain new leadership in the person of Prof. Dr. Susanne Tittlbach, while Prof. Dr. Britta Planer-Friedrich will take up her position as Vice-President for Research & Junior Scholars in October. University President Prof. Dr. Stefan Leible said in view of the election: “I am very happy with this decision by the Senate and the University Council. Our two professors will bring proven expertise in their respective fields to two very important areas of the University. Beyond their professorships, both colleagues have shown that the development of the University of Bayreuth is a subject close to their hearts.”

Prof. Dr. Susanne Tittlbach has been Chair of Social & Health Sciences in Sport at the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences since 2014. She researches the health and educational potential of physical activity. Central to her research are participatory intervention approaches for the implementation of health programmes. She has been putting these into effect at the University of Bayreuth since 2013 by establishing and leading University Health Management. Since 2017, she has also been helping to shape the concept and structure of the University’s new Faculty VII in Kulmbach as a member of the internal planning group and founding commission.

“The University of Bayreuth was one of the first universities to adopt a sustainability strategy. As Vice President for Digitisation, Innovation & Sustainability, it is important to me to continue to fill this with life”, Tittlbach says. She adds: “Sustainability should become an innovative and stable pillar of university and social life on an ecological, social, and economic level. In the area of innovation, over the next few years I wish to contribute to ensuring that comprehensive solutions for social developments and problems are developed and implemented in a scientifically sound and participatory manner. An optimally positioned digital infrastructure, which picks up on and further expands the drive towards digitalisation necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic, should continue to accompany the transformation process of our university and society.”

Today, on 1 September 2021, Prof. Dr Susanne Tittlbach takes office as Vice President for Digitalisation, Innovation & Sustainability – ubtaktuell had a few questions for her.

Professor Tittlbach, what motivated you to apply for the new post?

There are quite a few topics that inspire me. For example, I was able to contribute to the founding commission of Faculty VII and the establishment of University Health Management with the topic of health and my experience of participatory processes. Helping to shape the University – that was a pleasure for me! To now be able to focus on the development of the University as a whole and to shape the University as a “motor” of social innovation – that really inspires me. That’s why I ran for this new office.

What do you want to tackle first in your new role?

I can’t put my finger on the one thing that will dominate my start. Initial talks have already been held with colleagues responsible for the areas of innovation and digitisation, meaning that the processes already begun can be well supported by me and continue to gain momentum.

Sustainability, as the “new” area, which is still in the process of being established, is certainly one of my priorities. The founding of the Presidential Commission for Sustainability, the preparation of an environmental management system at the University of Bayreuth, and networking in the region will all be part of my “first 100 days”.

What do you think might change under your vice-presidency?

Since the topic of sustainability was only assigned to the vice presidency this year, it will certainly take on a greater significance than before. And in doing so, it will be “new” for the topic of sustainability to be discussed in all University policy decisions.

You are very popular with your students and at the University of Bayreuth. How would you describe your leadership style?

In this question, I need to distinguish between leading staff and dealing with students.

When it comes to my team, a cooperative management style - oriented towards tasks and goals on the one hand and the needs and requirements of staff on the other - is very important to me. This goes hand in hand with rather flat hierarchies, participation and co-determination by employees, as well as an appreciative way of dealing with the whole team. So, I involve my team in the development of the research group and require their participation in a very practical way. It is very important to me to keep the needs of my team members in mind, both academic and non-academic staff, and especially the specific situation of young academics.

I don’t manage students in the strict sense of the word. But here, too, my priority is to create an appreciative atmosphere in dealing with each other, to take up student initiatives and concerns in teaching and organisation, and to support students in their acquisition of skills for their future professional fields.

What does Professor Tittlbach do when she is not involved in sport – what are her hobbies?

Sport and exercise actually play a big part in my free time as well – but from a practical rather than a purely scientific point of view.

My biggest hobby besides that is our rather large natural garden and our greenhouse. The tranquillity of nature right in the middle of the city, the joy of growing my own vegetables – that’s something I draw a lot of energy from.