Review

The University of Excellence Bonn kicks off the 2024/2025 academic year

In addition to traditional elements such as the ceremonial entrance, the programme included scientific and musical highlights as well as an overview and outlook. In front of several hundred university members and numerous guests from the worlds of science, business, politics and city society, Rector Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Hoch reported on numerous outstanding achievements by the University of Excellence: For example, the amount of third-party funding raised rose to 206.9 million euros – a new record, also on a per capita basis. With seven new ‘Starting Grants’ in Call 2024, the number of Bonn researchers funded by the European Research Council (ERC) rose to a new record total of 52. Numerous university members received high-ranking research awards. And in the ranking of the British THE magazine, the University of Bonn climbed to 89th place worldwide, 5th place in Germany, and in the so-called Shanghai Ranking even to 61st place worldwide and 4th place nationally. These are the best rankings ever achieved.

The University of Bonn is performing increasingly well in global competition, said Prof. Hoch. ‘It is this sustained momentum that continues to distinguish the University of Bonn as a centre of excellence in the implementation of its future strategy.’ The Rector proudly announced another figure: ‘As of 1 October 2024, the proportion of female professors at our university is... 30.3 percent! This means we have achieved our ambitious goal for 2026 a full two years ahead of schedule. What a great success, but we will not be resting on our laurels!’

Air raid 80 years ago

This year, the opening day was also an occasion to remember difficult times: exactly 80 years ago to the day, an Allied air raid reduced the baroque main university building and large parts of Bonn's city centre to rubble and ashes; many people lost their lives. Mayor Katja Dörner also recalled this in her welcoming speech: ‘From today's perspective, such historical events often seem far removed from our own reality. However, current conflicts and crises make it clear that we must not take our peace in Europe and our democratic values for granted.’ She emphasised that students and the university in particular play an important role in this regard in urban society. ‘The university as a space for discourse and debate, as well as the political and civic engagement of many students, enrich Bonn. One example is the demonstrations at the beginning of the year for an open society and against hatred and exclusion, in which many students also took part,’ said Dörner.

Resolute against anti-Semitism

Janna Reif, chair of the General Student Committee (AStA) at the University of Bonn, spoke from a student perspective. She addressed the impact of the Middle East conflict on university life, which was marked by protests in the past academic year that continue to this day. ‘Various groups are making many Jewish and Israeli students afraid to come to campus with their actions,’ lamented the AStA chairwoman. The pro-Palestinian activists portrayed themselves as victims instead of taking responsibility for their own actions. They rejected offers of dialogue. Reif firmly rejected the protesters' demand that the student parliament revoke its resolution against anti-Semitism: ‘This will of course never happen, and we remain resolutely opposed to all forms of anti-Semitism!’

Prof. Dr. Christian Bauckhage from the Institute of Computer Science at the University of Bonn gave a keynote speech on ‘The world of tomorrow – how artificial intelligence will change our lives’. ‘As this year's Nobel Prizes show, artificial intelligence is revolutionising research and teaching,’ said the researcher. ‘The University of Bonn is already excellently positioned in this area. However, further joint efforts will be necessary in the coming years to ensure that this change is successful in the long term.’

Marie-Leonie Zabel and Mia Wietkamp from the campus radio station bonnFM hosted the event. The jazz choir of the University of Bonn's Forum Musik provided a festive atmosphere. The event was translated into sign language and simultaneously interpreted into English.