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The rector welcomes newly appointed professors

Freiburg, 17/12/2025

In 2025, 30 new professors were appointed at the University of Freiburg. Rector Prof. Dr. Kerstin Krieglstein invited them to a formal reception at the Haus zur Lieben Hand.

A group of people sitting in a large circle
At the reception for newly appointed professors, the new appointees had the opportunity to get to know each other and exchange ideas with Rector Prof. Dr. Kerstin Krieglstein, Prof. Dr. Sylvia Paletschek (Vice-Rector for University Culture) and Chancellor Christina Leib. Photo: Michael Spiegelhalter / University of Freiburg

On 11 December 2025, the University of Freiburg held a reception for newly appointed professors, hosted by Rector Prof. Dr. Kerstin Krieglstein. The Rector, together with Prof. Dr. Sylvia Paletschek, Vice Rector for University Culture, and Chancellor Christina Leib, led the event. ‘I am delighted that you are taking advantage of this opportunity to exchange ideas, network – and experience university life in the best sense of the word,’ said Krieglstein, welcoming the newly appointed professors.

In her welcoming address, the Rector referred to the Excellence Strategy of the Federal Government and the States and explained that the University of Freiburg was very happy to enter the demanding competition. “Our application, “The Future Research University: Sparking Change That Matters,’ is based on our future agenda, ‘UFR 2040.’ Its goal is to further develop the University and create the necessary conditions to continue strengthening top-level research in Freiburg and to take on an even more visible position internationally.” With regard to the rise of anti-science forces, Krieglstein added: “It is important that Europe develops its own scientific sovereignty and a research area independent of the USA.” It is therefore also crucial for the University of Freiburg “to think more in European terms on its way to becoming a global player.” Paletschek and Leib presented the University’s leadership guidelines and opened the discussion.

Finding a home for science

The reception for newly appointed staff is a great opportunity to get in touch with colleagues from other departments, says Prof. Dr Janina Bühler. She was appointed to the Chair of Diagnostics and Differential Psychology at the Institute of Psychology in July 2025. “I was made to feel very welcome and felt noticed right from the start,” explains Bühler. In order to “put down roots and establish a scientific home” at the University of Freiburg in the best possible way, she is taking advantage of various offers from the onboarding programme for newly appointed professors. “Each career stage brings new tasks and responsibilities that require additional qualifications. For example, when it comes to the question of how to successfully allocate resources between administration, teaching and research. The leadership coaching tailored to my needs helps me to see and manage the various pieces of the puzzle in the life of a professor.”

Following the reception, which was made possible by donations from Alumni Freiburg e.V., Verband der Freunde der Universität Freiburg e.V (the Association of Friends of the University of Freiburg e.V.) and the Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft Freiburg (Scientific Society Freiburg), the professors visited the Uniseum.

The newly appointed professors

Several people watch a presentation in a vaulted cellar.

Following the reception, the newly appointed members gained a wide range of insights into the history of the University of Freiburg during a joint visit to the Uniseum. Photo: Michael Spiegelhalter / University of Freiburg

A group of people are standing in a row.

In 2025, 30 new professors were appointed at the University of Freiburg – they were welcomed together on 11 December 2025 at the reception for new appointees hosted by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Kerstin Krieglstein. Photo: Michael Spiegelhalter / University of Freiburg

Introducing newly appointed professors 2025

What aspects of their research inspire the newly appointed professors? What do they want to convey to their students? And what are they particularly looking forward to in Freiburg? Answers to these and other questions can be found in the following short interviews:

Onboarding at the University of Freiburg: Support right from the start

It is essential for the University of Freiburg that new employees quickly settle in and are able to find their footing right from the start. It therefore offers all employees a structured, target group-specific onboarding programme that meets their information needs and addresses the challenges of their respective fields of activity and career levels with tailored support. In line with its welcoming culture, it is continuously developing these offerings.

Onboarding for new employees

Contact

University and Science Communications

University of Freiburg
Tel.: +49 761 203 4302
E-Mail: kommunikation@zv.uni-freiburg.de