15.08.2026

Info Letter June 2026

Dear Readers:

As of 1 September, the Rectorate will reassemble in a new constellation: After serving six years as Vice Presidents, Wiebke Möhring, Nele McElvany, and Tessa Flatten will step down. I would like to express my sincere grastitude to these three colleagues for their dedication and for our successful collaboration!

At the same time, I am delighted to welcome Maximiliane Wilkesmann and Sabine Hornberg to the team. Last Friday, the University Council and the Senate elected them, as well as Gerhard Schembecker, who will serve a second term as Vice President. Congratulations!

In addition to myself, Vice President Petra Wiederkehr and Chancellor Markus Neuhaus remain in office. Thus, the Rectorate will lead the university’s further development with a blend of experience and fresh perspectives.

You’ll find more detailed information on the planned assignment of responsibilities, as well as other news, in this info letter.

Best regards
Manfred Bayer
President of TU Dortmund University

News from TU Dortmund University

Group photo with the newly elected vice presidents.

University Council and Senate Elect New Vice Presidents

Taking office on 1 September: Maximiliane Wilkesmann and Sabine Hornberg. The Vice President Finance continues in his post.

Professor Christof Weitenberg Secures ERC Advanced Grant

The European Research Council will fund his project on exotic quantum states with around €3.5 million over five years.

Gruppenfoto mit acht Personen vor einem Gebäude

DFG Funds Research on Sustainable Chemical Production

The German Research Foundation has approved “TALENT”, a new Research Training Group in Biochemical and Chemical Engineering.

Professor Max Hansmann Wins Proof of Concept Grant

The European Research Council supports the development of new three‑dimensional active‑ingredient structures with €150,000.

Photo: Several people look together at a map and a globe on a table.

New Degree Program Examines Conflicts from Political Science Perspective

Political Conflict Studies, the first English-taught Bachelor at the university, will start in the 2026 winter semester.

Graphic: Graphic icons from science, technology, and research are shown inside speech bubbles.

New Master’s Program in Science Communication and Media Literacy Receives Funding

The Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education supports the development of the model degree program with €1.8 million.

The photo shows Albert Einstein's dedication from 1952.

Library Staff Discovers Dedication by Albert Einstein

The unique find from the collection of Professor Walter Grünzweig was presented at Emil Figge Library as part of USA@250.

Photo: A large field of solar panels lies next to a building.

Solar Panels Set up on North Campus

The installation of the large-scale, ground-mounted photovoltaic system at Emil-Figge-Straße is making visible progress.

Vier Personen bei Preisverleihung auf einer Bühne

Using AI to Reduce Food Waste

A project by Dortmund statisticians and a catering operation has received the European EDIH Network Award for Excellence.

Photo: Several people stand under a pavilion of the TU Dortmund sustainability office.

“Impact Cup” Honors Outstanding Commitment to Sustainability

This year, the traveling trophies went to the seed library of TU Dortmund University and an AStA officer from FH Dortmund.

All news

Editorial office: Lisa Burgardt

Phone: ++49 (0) 231 - 755 6456
E-mail: lisa.burgardt@tu-dortmund.de

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