Greeting from Prof. Dr. Stefan Leible, President of the University of Bayreuth

Half a century has passed since the start of research and teaching in the winter semester of 1975, during which time the University of Bayreuth has grown from a small campus into an internationally recognised research university with seven faculties.

We take pride in what our university has accomplished over these 50 years. From the very beginning, it has been characterised by interdisciplinarity and innovative research. In addition to the establishment of the Faculties of Humanities and Cultural Studies, Law and Economics, and Natural Sciences and Engineering, the university has been consistently expanded and enriched by profile-defining institutions such as the Africa Centre Iwalewahaus (1978), the Bavarian Geoinstitute (1986), and the Bavarian Centre for Battery Technology BayBatt (2020), along with numerous CRCs and a Cluster of Excellence. The foundation of the Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health at the Kulmbach campus in 2019 marked yet another milestone.

Our 50th anniversary is not just a time for reflection but also an opportunity to chart the future of the University of Bayreuth. In the coming years, we will continue to expand our outstanding research and enhance our international profile, positioning the university as a global centre of science. In doing so, we remain committed to our social responsibility, playing an active role in shaping the future of our region and beyond, true to our motto: 'Regionally anchored and internationally oriented.'

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the success of the University of Bayreuth: our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters. Together, we will take the University of Bayreuth to new heights over the next 50 years.

I wish you all an inspiring and joyful anniversary year!

Prof. Dr. Stefan Leible
President of the University of Bayreuth