Change at the top of HM

Former President Prof. Dr Martin Leitner handed over the presidency to Prof. Dr Sonja Munz. At the ceremonial handover on 5 October, colleagues and associates looked back on his term of office. At the same time, the new President looked to the future.

In his laudatory address, Bavaria’s Minister for Science and the Arts, Markus Blume, particularly highlighted the HM’s development in research, transfers and teaching during his tenure. He noted that Leitner had strengthened research, established future technologies and further developed the HM as an ‘entrepreneurial university’. “You are handing over this university in top form”, emphasised Blume. In recognition of his services, he awarded Leitner the Pro meritis scientiae et litterarum, an honour bestowed by the Free State of Bavaria for outstanding services to science and the arts.

Representatives from the higher education sector, politics and the University Council also reflected on the past ten years. Henrike von Platen, Chair of the University Council, recalled how significantly the operating conditions for universities have changed during this period – for example, due to digitalisation and the shortage of skilled workers.

“It has been an honour”
In his final address as President, Leitner expressed his gratitude above all to the people with whom he had worked over the past few years. He said he had always enjoyed coming to the HM – not least because he had met people there whom he likes and holds in high regard. He wished his successor “not only the best of luck and every success, but also much joy in her new role”.

“Thank you very much, it was an honour,” Leitner concluded his speech. The audience bid him farewell with prolonged applause and a standing ovation. As a farewell gift, he also received a chain of office made of Plexiglas, specially designed for him at the HM. This was followed by the symbolic handover: Leitner handed over the HM’s red cube to Sonja Munz.

Buildingon achievements
Munz set out clear priorities for her term of office: science belongs “at the heart of society”, and the HM’s diversity is a great strength. She sees a particular responsibility in the education of students: “We are educating people for a future that we do not yet know.” Alongside knowledge, she said, the aim is therefore to foster critical thinking. The HM also aims to be a university that “not only understands AI, but uses it responsibly”.

For her work as President, Munz also shared her leadership motto: “Listen, participate, decide.” The HM has “the opportunity and the expertise to really make a difference”.

Or, as University Council Chair Henrike von Platen summed up the handover: “No story ends today; it continues.”


Lisa Miethke