New Appointees Reception at the University of Wuppertal

Focus on interdisciplinary networking

New Appointees Reception at the University of Wuppertal

10.10.2024|11:38 Uhr

20 newly appointed professors were welcomed in person at the start of the winter semester at the University of Wuppertal; some are from here, others come from outside, some from abroad, and are getting to know the university and the Bergisch environment for the first time. At the internal reception, to which the rectorate had invited new and existing professors, the focus was on interdisciplinary networking. "The professional exchange across faculty and subject boundaries is not only fascinating, but also offers important potential for research and teaching," says Rector Prof Dr Birgitta Wolff, outlining the intention of the so-called New Appointees Reception. The event on 8 October once again proved that the broad spectrum of subjects at the University of Wuppertal offers plenty of scope for this, the initiator is pleased to say.

Since this year, they have been providing even more expertise at the University of Wuppertal // Photo University of Wuppertal, Friederike von Heyden

The newly appointed professors gave brief insights into their research, from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences and teacher training. At the get-together that followed, all professors from the nine faculties were able to exchange ideas and find starting points for collaboration in research, teaching and third mission.

"The complex challenges of our time - be it climate change, digitalisation or attacks on our democratic society - can only be overcome if experts and their different perspectives work together to develop solutions," said the Rector. "We are delighted that the new appointees are bringing fresh impetus to our university." The joint semester kick-off with all professors shows that the University of Wuppertal is a place of lively exchange and interdisciplinary cooperation.

(back row from left to right): Prof. Dr Eva Buddeberg (Practical Philosophy); Jun.Prof. Dr Felix Strieth-Kalthoff (Digital Chemistry); Prof. Dr Gregor Christa (Zoology, Evolution and Biodiversity); Dr Katharina Peetz (Systematic Theology); Prof. Dr Meinald Thielsch (Work and Environmental Psychology); Prof. Dr Natalie Förster (Professionalisation Research in Teacher Education); Rector Prof. Dr Birgitta Wolff; Prof. Dr Julia König (Educational Sciences with a focus on Childhood Research / Education and Training in Childhood); Dipl.- Kfm.Kfm. Dr h.c. Josef Beutelmann (Chairman of the University Council).

(front row, from left to right): Prof. Dr Claudia Totzeck (Continuous Optimisation); Prof. Dr Anna Sieben (Social Psychology in Civil Security Research); Prof. Dr Tina Nobis (Sports Sociology); Jun. Prof. Anne Sophie Overkamp (Historical Science and Technology Studies); Prof. Dr Peter Zaspel (Software for Data-Intensive Applications); Jun. Prof. Dr Franziska Lechner-Meichsner (Clinical Psychological Intervention).

Not in the photo: Junior Professor Dr Hannes Gernandt (Port-Hamiltonian Systems); Prof. Dr Robert Göstl (Sustainable Macromolecular Chemistry); Prof. Dr Hendrik Heuer (Design of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence); Prof. Dr Emma Järvinen (Experimental Physics with a focus on Global Atmospheric Research); Prof. DrAnica Meins-Becker (Digital Planning, Construction and Operation) Prof. Dr Philipp Trotter (Sustainability Management); Prof. Dr Tobias Schmidt (Algebra and Number Theory)

Contact press office

Corinna Dönges
Head of Press and Public Relations
Phone 0202 439-3047
Email doenges[at]uni-wuppertal.de

Website Press Office

More information on the new professors can be found on the University of Wuppertal's appointment portal.

A brief interview with the new additions

In our video series "Meet the Prof", many of our newest professors give short, concise interviews about their academic journey, their research areas but also their personal side. Learn more not only about their passion for knowledge and teaching, but also about their interests and stories outside the lecture hall.

All videos published so far can be found on the University of Wuppertal's YouTube channel.