Universitätstag 2025: Developments, Awards, and Insights into Research

Press release from 22 May 2025
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On Wednesday, around 170 invited guests from academia, business and society celebrated the University Day at the University of Mannheim in the Rittersaal of the Schloss. The event recognized exceptional commitment to the university and offered insights into the strategic development of research, teaching and knowledge transfer.

In his opening speech, President Professor Dr. Thomas Fetzer thanked all members of the university – researchers, teaching staff, employees, students and supporters – for their commitment and contributions to the university's continued development.

Regarding the current circumstances, Fetzer highlighted the role of universities as institutions dedicated to the pursuit of scientific knowledge and the fostering of democratic dialogue. “Scientific findings are not opinions, and not every opinion is based on scientific findings,” the President said. However, this has recently been called into question, sometimes at a breathtaking speed, “not only on the other side of the Atlantic, but sometimes also on this side”. 

Today more than ever, universities are of central importance for democracy, the rule of law, an open society, and prosperity as spaces for open exchange, knowledge acquisition, and innovation. This also gives rise to a special responsibility. The University of Mannheim strives to fulfill this responsibility in a variety of ways: “Our campus fosters a genuine cosmopolitan environment for our students, researchers, and staff members,” Fetzer said. “It's no coincidence that internationality is one of the University of Mannheim's core values.” Additionally, Mannheim's scientists were highly sought-after experts in politics, business, and society. The university is breaking new ground in the transfer of knowledge—for example, with formats such as lectures for teenagers and the WISSENSdurst series. The planned Collaborative Research Center (SFB), which is currently being reviewed by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and deals with the resilience and adaptability of societies in times of crisis, also addresses central challenges of our time.

“As you can see, We are moving full speed ahead on our chosen path. Yes, we will experience setbacks, but I am convinced that, thanks to our many incredibly motivated and committed researchers, staff members, and students, the university will be in an even better position in the future than it is today. Our goal is to be one of the leading institutions in Germany and Europe and to be visible and recognized worldwide,” said Fetzer.

Conferral of the title of honorary senator to Dr. Peter Kurz and Margret Suckale
During the event, Dr. Peter Kurz and Margret Suckale were awarded the title of honorary senator. The university awards the title as a sign of gratitude and recognition for their outstanding commitment to the University of Mannheim.

Dr. Kurz's connection to the university dates back to his time as a student, when he studied law at the University of Mannheim from 1983. He subsequently obtained his doctorate there. From 2007 to 2023, Dr. Kurz served as Lord Mayor of the City of Mannheim and supported the University of Mannheim in many ways during his term of office. He had the university's interests in mind, particularly when it came to urban development, and offered strong support. Dr. Kurz deserves special recognition for his contributions to the internationalization of the university, particularly within the ENGAGE.EU network. 

Ms. Suckale has been closely associated with the University of Mannheim for many years and has supported the university and its interests in a variety of ways. Ms. Suckale joined the University Supervisory Board in 2018. From 2019 to 2024, she was the chair of the University Supervisory Board. She was the first woman in the university's history to take on this role. She was jointly responsible for numerous important decisions and also used her personal contacts for the benefit of the university. Even after her term as chair of the University Supervisory Board ended, Ms. Suckale remained committed to supporting the university.

Awards for outstanding teaching
Dr. Angelika Kellner and Dr. Nico Halkenhäuser received the University of Mannheim's teaching award in recognition of their outstanding teaching achievements. The two award winners impress with a high degree of didactic diversity, practical relevance, and personal commitment. They not only succeed in conveying the course content in a clear and well-founded manner, but also motivate their students to achieve outstanding learning outcomes.

Ceremonial lecture: Focus on financial education
The evening's ceremonial lecture was given by Professor Dr. Carmela Aprea, holder of the Chair of Business Education – Instructional Systems Design and Evaluation at the University of Mannheim. Under the title “We do talk about money: What we know (and don't know) about financial education in Germany,” she provided exciting insights into the state of research on a topic that is becoming increasingly relevant to society.

Media photos can be found at: https://www.uni-mannheim.de/newsroom/presse/pressefotos/

Contact:
Linda Schädler
Head of Communications / Media Spokeswoman
University of Mannheim
Phone: 0621 181-1434
E-mail: schaedlermail-uni-mannheim.de