The Rector of the University of Bonn
- Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Hoch has been the 143rd Rector of the University of Bonn since May 2015.
- The Rector is the head of the University of Bonn. He acts as its representative and ensures that University rules are observed.
- He is responsible for defining the University’s strategic objectives (e.g. Excellence Strategy) and coordinating their implementation. He is also responsible for the area of knowledge transfer.
- The Rector is assisted by the Rectorate’s Executive Management.
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Hoch
- since 2015 - 143rd Rector of the University of Bonn (in his third term of office)
- since 2022 - Chair of the university alliance German U15
- since 2023 - President of the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (German Academic Scholarship Foundation)
Curriculum Vitae
- 2019: Under his leadership, the University of Bonn became the most successful institution in the German Excellence Strategy (6 Clusters of Excellence and title University of Excellence)
and Spokesperson for the LIMES Alliance
Honours and awards (selected)
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2024: “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” of the Japan’s Imperial House
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2023: "Rector of the Decade" (DHV - German Association of University Professors and Lecturers)
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2020, 2021, 2023: “Rector of the Year” (DHV - German Association of University Professors and Lecturers)
- 2020: Signature in the “Golden Book” of the City of Bonn
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2017: Honorary Doctorate of Waseda University, Tokyo
- 1986 - 1989: Scholarship from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation
A message from the Rector
WE - the very first word in our founding charter - captures the spirit that still defines us today. For over 200 years, the University of Bonn has united people from around the world to explore, discover, and shape the future together. Diversity, openness, and shared responsibility drive our community of 50,000 students, teachers, researchers, and staff.
As a University of Excellence, we are one of Germany's leading institutions of higher education. Located in Germany’s UN City and the country’s second political center, we are part of one of Europe’s most research-intensive regions. International rankings place us among the top 100 universities worldwide, with many disciplines counted among the global leaders.
With 8 Clusters of Excellence – a distinction unmatched in Germany – as well as eight Nobel Prizes and the only two Fields Medalists from Germany, we hold a leading position nationally and internationally.
Together with our regional, national, and international partners, we aim to make an even greater contribution to global progress in the future.
Yours sincerely, Michael Hoch
News
- Chris Day (Russel Group) and Michael Hoch (German U15): The recent Germany-UK Treaty provides a platform to build on existing links and boost success in the next Horizon Europe (August, 2025)
- German U15 and its chair Michael Hoch were delighted to host U15 Canada for a return visit during the International Science Symposium (ISPS) in Hanover (January, 2025)
- Special Lecture by University of Bonn Rector Michael Hoch: Developing Basic Attitudes and Fostering Exchanges for the Development of Science – Waseda University (October, 2024)
- International Academic Cooperation in a Geopolitically Changing World | United Nations University. UNU will host a conversation with Michael Hoch, the Rector of the University of Bonn (October, 2024)
© Volker Lannert/Universität Bonn
© Volker Lannert/Uni Bonn
© Barbara Frommann/Universität Bonn
© U7+
© Volker Lannert/Universität Bonn
© Waseda University
© Barbara Frommann/Universität Bonn
© Volker Lannert/Uni Bonn
Contact
Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael Hoch
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
Jonas Fehres
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
Niklas Almasi
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
Christopher Prinz
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
Heidrun Schneider-Klinkosch
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
Svenja Killmer
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
Press Service
Please direct any press inquiries to the Press Service.
Also see
The Provost
Holger Gottschalk has been the head of the University administration since 2017. His goal is to achieve agile university management.
Excellence Strategy
Since 2019, the University of Bonn has held the title of "University of Excellence" and, with six Clusters of Excellence, has been the most successful institution in the German Excellence Strategy. In 2025, it succeeded in securing two additional Clusters.
enaCom Transfer Center
The enaCom Transfer Center is the point of contact for all matters relating to knowledge and technology transfer—for everyone interested in working together with us.