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Rectorate Newsletter February, 2026

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Audimax Ruhr-Universität Bochum
RUB, Marquard

Dear students and members of the Ruhr University Bochum community,

Unfortunately, we have not had a quiet start to the year. Around the world, we are witnessing violent conflicts, uprisings, protests, and repression. As a university, we cannot take a position on every situation. Still, we would like to clearly state where we stand through our Joint Statement on Global Events created by the Rectorate, Senate, and AStA, initiated by the Senate Faction of Non-professional Teaching Staff. To summarize the most important points: Ruhr University Bochum condemns any form of violence, oppression, and undemocratic conduct, and asserts the importance of respectful, fact-based, and open discourse. As a place of critical thinking, we see ourselves as part of an international scientific community that protects and promotes universal values.

We are committed to upholding and advancing these same values within our campus community. This is why we have implemented our Action Plan for Promoting Democracy and Diversity. Through this plan, we are taking proactive steps to safeguard RUB from unwanted political influence, protect democracy and scientific freedom, and foster diversity. Each one of us is called upon to contribute to strengthening our individual and institutional resilience.

The Rectorate has been diligently working on our joint Excellence Strategy application with TU Dortmund University as Ruhr Innovation Lab. Our campus will be visited in May for this purpose. Preparations are already in full swing, and we are eagerly looking forward to this /opportunity.

We wish you a relaxing break.

Feedback

Transfer Strategy has been finalized

After Ruhr University Bochum enacted a transfer mission statement in 2022, it has now doubled down: The Rectorate has launched its Transfer Strategy. In an interview, Professor Günther Meschke, Vice Rector for Research and Transfer, explains what this means: https://news.rub.de/english/2026-02-05-rectorate-adopts-transfer-strategy-important-third-pillar

From science to society: Catalyst GER launches

Research in the humanities, social sciences, and educational sciences have the power to significantly impact society. The program Catalyst GER, offered by the University Alliance Ruhr, assists researchers in exploring impactful transfer pathways. These pathways ensure that research topics and results are sustainably integrated into society. The public launch of the program will be held on March 12, 2026.

Further information and registration: https://www.eventbrite.de/e/gemeinsame-auftaktveranstaltung-zu-catalyst-ger-von-rub-tu-dortmund-ude-tickets-1981739455057?aff=oddtdtcreator (in German)

Digital strategy as an orientation framework

Another new strategy to help us find our way in times of change: the Digital Strategy. Digitalization fundamentally changes how we teach, learn, research, and work together. We embrace this transformation as a cultural and structural challenge, one that calls for an open, responsible, and learning-oriented organizational culture. Central to this culture is digital accessibility which fosters participation and ensures equal opportunities for all. Effective IT governance provides the necessary framework for this.

https://uni.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/digital-strategy-ruhr-university-bochum

Julia Tjus in the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

A great honor for Professor Julia Tjus, who leads the Chair of Theoretical Physics, especially Plasma Astroparticle Physics: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has officially admitted her as an international member of the Class for Physics. She now helps decide who will receive the Nobel Prizes for Physics. Congratulations!

https://news.rub.de/english/2026-02-05-award-julia-tjus-appointed-swedish-academy-sciences

Mental health during your studies

Ruhr University Bochum is involved in a large joint project that seeks to improve mental health during studies. The project MUTSPRUNG is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.

https://news.rub.de/wissenschaft/2026-02-05-mutsprung-research-project-researching-mental-health-students-and-doctoral-candidates

Dr. Achim Dilling is the new chancellor

We welcome Achim Dilling as a new member of the Rectorate! Since the beginning of the year, he has taken on the role of Administrative Director. With a strong background in business administration, Dilling previously served as the chancellor of the University of Passau from 2016. We look forward to working with him!

https://news.rub.de/english/2026-02-05-chancellor-election-achim-dilling-become-new-chancellor-ruhr-university-bochum

News recommendations

Last but not least

An exciting lineup of events awaits us this year. Here’s a sneak peek at the dates you won’t want to miss:

  • June 3 – Summer Festival
  • June 11 – Inside RUB – Open-house
  • September 25 – Night at the House of Knowledge
  • November 18 – Annual Academic Celebration
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