Spotlight – The Rector’s Column

Dear Alumnae and Alumni,

As we enjoy these autumn days, our academic community continues to face significant challenges shaped by an increasingly complex global political landscape. Recent developments in the United States have raised urgent concerns about academic freedom – an issue central to our mission. Growing political tensions and ongoing debates risk undermining the international exchange of ideas and knowledge that drives progress. In times like these, global networks are more essential than ever, fostering open dialogue and upholding our shared commitment to scholarship and research.

I am therefore delighted to share a significant milestone: in early June, we established our fourth strategic partnership – this time with the Institute of Science Tokyo. This collaboration will further expand our international network and strengthen the advancement of cutting-edge research. The importance of this new partnership was underscored during our joint visit to Japan with Federal President Steinmeier.

You may have also seen recent announcements regarding the latest round of funding decisions for Germany’s Excellence Strategy. We are proud to announce that renewal applications for our clusters – The Integrated Fuel & Chemical Science Center (FSC2) and Matter and Light for Quantum Computing (ML4Q) – have been approved. In addition, we celebrate the approval of a new cluster focused on Climate-Neutral and Resource-Efficient Construction (CARE). These initiatives reflect our commitment to addressing urgent societal challenges, particularly in the area of sustainability. Following our submission of the self-assessment report for the Universities of Excellence funding line in early August, we are now preparing for the site visit by the German Council of Science and Humanities this fall. I am especially pleased that so many members of our University community are actively contributing to this vital process.

As we look toward the future – eager to envision and shape what lies ahead – we also recognize the importance of reflecting on our past. At RWTH, we have cultivated a meaningful culture of remembrance, recently exemplified by a moving ceremony, honoring scholars who were demoted or expelled during the Nazi era. We were deeply honored to welcome many of their descendants to campus.

In light of today’s global challenges, we are reminded of our responsibility to learn from history and let those lessons guide our actions. Let us continue to contribute – by generating new ideas, deepening international partnerships, and working together to shape a brighter future for science and society.

Warm regards from Aachen,