Manfred Bayer Takes Office as President of TU Dortmund University

Professor Manfred Bayer was elected as the new President by an overwhelming majority at the University Elective Assembly on 24 April. Before that, the internationally renowned scientist had taught and researched at the Faculty of Physics of TU Dortmund University for 18 years. In addition, he was Chairman of the University Senate from 2008 to 2019.

The new President intends to continue the successful work of his predecessor. One of his goals is to further improve the conditions for students, especially the faculty/student ratio, i.e. the ratio of students to teaching staff. During Professor Gather’s term of office, the number of students has risen from 22,000 to more than 34,000 – a nationwide trend due to the double cohort of A-level achievers and an increasing willingness to study among the younger generation.

Strengthening international orientation and regional cooperation

Professor Bayer also wants to further increase chances of academic success. For this goal, he is considering to introduce a “zero” semester. The new President wants to give the university an even more international orientation, but also expand regional cooperation – for example with the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, FH Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts and among the partner universities of the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr). He also wants to further ease the shortage of space at the university. It is also important, he states, to acquire third-party funding from new funding programs in certain areas to be able to keep up with the competition in research.

With her re-election in 2015 and a total of twelve years in office, outgoing President Professor Gather has had a significant impact on TU Dortmund University: A total of 228 new professors were appointed at TU Dortmund University during her term of office from September 2008 till today. She appointed three of five professors currently working here. In order to create the best possible conditions for teaching, studies and research, the Rectorate developed a model for a needs-based and performance-oriented distribution of financial resources to the faculties. Beyond this, TU Dortmund University joined the top group of young universities in Germany:  Until its 50th birthday in 2018, the university was ranked third nationwide in the QS ranking “Top 50 under 50”. 

One particular concern of Gather was the perception of the city of Dortmund and the entire Ruhr area as a strong science region. She received several awards for this commitment, including the title “Citizen of the Ruhr Area” in 2014.

Key officially handed over

“I am very pleased to be able to hand over the office of President to such an experienced colleague”, she said at the official handover of the keys to the Rectorate office. “I wish you, dear Manfred, best of luck and success at all times.” Chancellor Albrecht Ehlers joined in the congratulations: “I have already worked very well with Mr. Bayer in his function as Chairman of the University Senate. I am very much looking forward to continuing the pleasant and fruitful cooperation with him in this new constellation.”

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