The centerpiece of the ceremony will be a speech by Professor Michael Hoch, Rector of the University of Bonn, who will talk about some of the recent developments and future prospects at the University of Excellence. The University’s status as a University of Excellence was successfully extended in May 2026. As the only German university to have secured eight Clusters of Excellence, it is the most successful institution in the contest.
One particular highlight at the event will be the conferral of an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences on Professor Helmut Schwarz. In making the award, the University is recognizing not only Schwarz’s outstanding scientific achievements as one of the world’s leading researchers in the field of organic chemistry but also his extraordinary commitment to the German academic system in general and the University of Bonn in particular. As a member of the University Council from 2010 to 2025, he helped shape the University’s growth and development with a great deal of dedication. The speech in his honor will be given by Professor Walter Witke, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Pauline Kalle, Chair of the General Students’ Committee (AStA) at the University of Bonn, will offer a student’s perspective on the academic year, with musical accompaniment for the event provided courtesy of the University’s Music Forum.
With its ceremony to open the academic year, the University of Bonn is marking not only the start of a new year but also the day it was founded, namely October 18, 1818.
The event is open to the public. To attend, please register at https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university-life/events/opening-of-the-academic-year/