Science connects: Professor exchange at TU Braunschweig

This week, professors from TU Braunschweig gathered in the Architecture Pavilion and Garden. This annual event, which has been a cherished tradition since 2021, provides an opportunity to welcome newly appointed professors and bid a dignified farewell to those leaving. The focus is on informal interaction and exchange across disciplinary boundaries, which is essential for our scientific community these days.

University President Professor Angela Ittel warmly welcomed those present, emphasising in her speech: “For me personally, this is one of the best moments of the year. Seeing you all gathered here enables me to welcome you together and express my appreciation.”

She also praised the professors’ commitment in the historical context. Technical universities are in greater demand than ever before and face greater challenges. It is cutting-edge research paired with social relevance that sets the TU apart. “We need research that thinks outside the box, as well as cooperation. I am proud that many of you already embody this spirit, thereby strengthening our scientific ecosystem substantially.” Reflection was also given to the great research successes of the past year, the increasingly successful third-party funding applications, the efforts to strengthen our administration, and the challenges facing the TU.

The President encouraged the professors to view the TU as a democratic and democratically relevant space. She invited them to take advantage of the opportunities and to actively participate in shaping this space. In view of the current challenges to academic freedom, President Ittel spoke out strongly: “I, and we, will do everything in our power to ensure that this university remains a vibrant, intact, and resilient place for an open society.”

New colleagues were welcomed, and departing colleagues were thanked for their service – a successful evening marked by appreciation and solidarity.

The architecture pavilion provided plenty of opportunities for discussion. Photo credit: Ahmed Nassef/TU Braunschweig

Professor Stefanie Hartz in conversation with Professor Eckart Voigts. Photo credit: Ahmed Nassef/TU Braunschweig

“For me personally, this is one of the best moments of the year,” emphasised President Angela Ittel in her welcome speech. Photo credit: Ahmed Nassef/TU Braunschweig

Professor Joachim Block, Chairman of the Braunschweig University Association, has been a committed supporter of TU Braunschweig for many years. The BHB once again supported the reception. Photo credit: Ahmed Nassef/TU Braunschweig

The professors came together in the Architecture Pavilion to exchange ideas. Photo credit: Ahmed Nassef/TU Braunschweig

The newly appointed professors were warmly welcomed, and those stepping down were given a dignified send-off. Photo credit: Ahmed Nassef/TU Braunschweig

Dietmar Smyrek, Vice President for Human Resources, Finance, and University Construction, and President Angela Ittel. Photo credit: Ahmed Nassef/TU Braunschweig

In perfect weather, lively discussions also took place in the garden surrounding the architecture pavilion: Professor Georg Garnweitner, Professor Stefanie Kroker, and Professor Daniel Prades. Photo credit: Ahmed Nassef/TU Braunschweig

Professor Alexander Büssing. Photo credit: Ahmed Nassef/TU Braunschweig

Professor Julia Gerick with Professor Barbara Thies and Professor Stefanie Hartz. Photo credit: Ahmed Nassef/TU Braunschweig

Professor Thomas Kämpfe and Professor Andrey Surzhykov. Photo credit: Ahmed Nassef/TU Braunschweig

Lively exchange: President Angela Ittel with Professor Daniel Schröder. Photo credit: Ahmed Nassef/TU Braunschweig