Baden-Württemberg's Minister of Science Petra Olschowski (left) inaugurated HFU President Dr. Alexandra Bormann during the Black Forest Innovation Summit.
Black Forest Innovation Summit at Furtwangen University with Inaugeration Ceremony of President Dr Alexandra Bormann
The “Black Forest Innovation Summit”, which took place last Friday on the Furtwangen Campus of Furtwangen University (HFU), has established a new platform for future topics and solutions. Petra Olschowski, the Baden-Württemberg Minister of Science, Research and the Arts, was guest of honour and many other high-ranking representatives from science, business and politics, as well as board members of other colleges and universities, were also present at the special event. In the wide-ranging exhibition, guests were able to find out about the many innovative HFU projects and research partnerships which aim to provide solutions for the questions of tomorrow.
The Black Forest Innovation Summit also provided the perfect setting for the official inauguration of HFU President, Dr. Alexandra Bormann, which was presided over by Minister Petra Olschowski. “This is a challenging office, but a fantastic one,” emphasised the Minister in her speech. With her extensive experience in national and international university management, Dr. Bormann is a “stroke of luck for Furtwangen”, said Minister Olschowski, particularly in view of the current difficulties universities are facing. The Minister of Science acknowledged that Dr. Bormann has achieved some remarkable successes since taking office in March − under her leadership HFU has already adopted new basic regulations, decided on a new structure and further developed its health profile. The Minister also stressed her delight that Furtwangen University will be the home of the new Office for Bländed Learning, which will coordinate innovative and particularly flexible study programmes statewide. Minister Olschowski wished Dr. Bormann continued success in developing innovative ways to open up new avenues for students at HFU.
Minister Olschowski also paid special tribute to former President of Furtwangen University, Prof. Dr. Rolf Schofer. Under his leadership as HFU President for 18 years, reforms and many other changes encouraged the successful development of the university. The Minister emphasised that under President Schofer, medical technology at HFU gained broad recognition, both regionally and internationally, and the health sciences were developed so successfully that HFU is now a leader in this field in Baden-Württemberg.
As Schofer's successor, it was also particularly important to Dr. Bormann to thank Professor Schofer for his immense achievements and enduring support, which she said she could still rely on at any time. The new President also expressed her heartfelt thanks to the members of the former Board of Executives for their outstanding commitment.
In her inaugural speech, Dr. Alexandra Bormann reflected on what is needed to stimulate innovation in Germany, so crucial for economic and social development − strong cooperation between science, business and society. Society currently has too little productive energy − institutions and people are in a constant state of overload without really making any progress. “A broad culture of innovation is required across society as a whole. The main burden lies with the universities,” says Bormann. Universities in particular can create an inspiring culture thanks to their diversity of people and ideas, and the freedom of research and teaching, “We really are at the heart of society. And renewal is our core business.” HFU will take on even more regional and European responsibility in the future and create enthusiasm for technology. “Our campus is the Black Forest. Our home is Europe. And our passion is innovation,” said Bormann.
The other presentations at the ceremony also picked up on the theme of productive energy and showed, from different perspectives, the enormous commitment Furtwangen University has to innovation. HFU graduate and Olympic Nordic combined champion Dr. Georg Hettich reported on the HFU Elite Sports programme which makes study and competitive sport possible. In a film, HFU professor and marathon swimmer Dr. Andreas Fath presented his unconventional approach to microplastics research − just a few weeks ago, Fath completed another spectacular project in which he swam the entire Elbe to draw attention to water pollution. Finally, sociologist and “boundary-crosser” Dr. Stefan Selke, also a professor at HFU, shed light on the need to give teenagers and young adults a confident view of the future. “How do you make the future?” asked Selke, pointing out the importance of collaboration in this social process. “The future is a team sport,” said Selke, who sees HFU not only as an educational institution, but also as a ‘future agency’ that promotes productive euphoria about the future.
At the subsequent Black Forest lunch in the exhibition rooms, guests took the opportunity to discuss the inspiring ideas. “The extremely enthusiastic feedback shows us that we've managed to cross boundaries with the Black Forest Innovation Summit and to have a diverse impact on society. Universities must inspire. We've given energetic impulses for new perspectives and partnership projects, for more innovation,” said a delighted President Bormann, who is now already considering making it a regular event at the university.
