175 years Furtwangen University

With the slogan, “The best time. Since 1850,” Furtwangen University (HFU) celebrated its 175th anniversary and presented itself as a powerful centre for science, business, and society − and as a pioneer for innovation in the Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg region.

During the ceremony Petra Olschowski, Minister of Science, Research, and the Arts in Baden-Württemberg, praised Furtwangen University and its role as a driving force for the region. In her speech, the minister emphasised, “HFU has always had its finger on the pulse.” She praised the university's adaptability and its portfolio, which according to the minister, is geared towards the needs of students and the demands of the times. Just like the economy, the higher education landscape in Baden-Württemberg is currently undergoing a phase of transformation. Olschowski praised the Board of Executives and the Board of Governors of Furtwangen University and expressed her gratitude for their foresight and determination in driving forward the current change processes. She also assured them of the support of the Ministry of Science, particularly for the planned strengthening of interdisciplinarity. It is important for universities to raise the profile of their locations and the programmes they offer because students today have access to a global range of courses that is developing dynamically. “Consolidation and bundling are the foundations for academic success,” said the minister.

The role of HFU as an independent, responsible shaper of social development was then underscored by Minister Olschowski's ceremonial presentation of the new chain of office to President Dr. Alexandra Bormann.

The chain of office, designed by goldsmith Franziska Löffelmann, symbolises the connection between history, innovative strength, and academic freedom − values that have shaped and continue to drive the university for 175 years. Chairman of the Board of Governors, Dirk Schallock saw it as a symbol of the university's close connection with the business community. And Felix Gorgus, Chairman of the Student Parliament, emphasised the importance of studying at a university with such strong traditions. The presentation of the new symbol for the university was made possible by the financial support of the City of Furtwangen. Mayor Josef Herdner offered his heartfelt congratulations and emphasised that the HFU anniversary also marked 175 years of successful and close cooperation between the city and the university.

In her speech, President Dr. Alexandra Bormann emphasised the importance of academic freedom as the basis for sustainable progress, “The future has one fundamental requirement − freedom.” In view of the fact that scientific findings are coming under increasing pressure globally and spaces for discourse are being restricted, Bormann reaffirmed the university's position − only in freedom can academia unfold its full potential, contribute to strengthening society, and open up new paths. HFU sees itself as an open space for ideas, where researchers and students work together with business partners to shape the challenges of tomorrow. Diversity and democracy are lived out in the university's vibrant community, and responsibility for the future is taken on collectively, according to Bormann. She also emphasised the university's European ties, “Our heartbeat is and remains European.” Alluding to the anniversary motto, Bormann said that now is “the best time to be courageous.” Her appeal that, in view of current challenges, it is “high time to move away from rhetoric based on fear and decline” was met with loud applause.

Prof. Dr. Volker Bucher, head of the Institute for Microsystems Technology, also expressed his “confidence in the future” in a special way. He presented a spectacular project in micromedicine in which the problem of age-related long-sightedness is being addressed through the use of tiny electrodes.

As ambassador for elite sport at HFU, Olympic champion Dr. Georg Hettich, together with HFU student Lars Schäfle, the reigning German wrestling champion, gave a very personal insight into the special “HFU feeling” that has always defined the university. The two athletes reported on the exceptional support opportunities for top athletes and the university's strong networks. A film produced by the HFU traced the university's history from its beginnings as a watchmaking school in the 19th century to the vibrant and international community that the HFU is today.

The anniversary celebration offered guests from academia, industry, and society a variety of opportunities for exchange and enriching inspiration – both during visits to current research facilities and at the parallel “Hochschulkontaktbörse” careers fair on the Furtwangen campus. The lively dialogue between students, companies, and sponsors highlighted the role of HFU as a driver of innovation for the region and an attractive partner for innovation and transfer.

Musical contributions from the Freiburg and Trossingen Universities of Music, including a composition created especially for the anniversary, as well as an ecumenical service with the HFU choir, lent the celebration a particularly festive atmosphere.

Furtwangen University looks back with pride on 175 years of eventful history – and looks to the future with determination. On the occasion of the anniversary, President Alexandra Bormann expressed her wish for the HFU, “that the university will continue to joyfully seek knowledge, innovative solutions, and the truth for many decades to come, that it will serve people and humanity, and that it will have the courage to preserve its vital freedom and open up entirely new paths for us as a society.”