New interim president: Prof. Schölmerich takes over in Göttingen!

New interim president: Prof. Schölmerich takes over in Göttingen!

Göttingen, Deutschland - Prof. Dr. Axel Schölmerich took over the Interim President of the University of Göttingen on March 1, 2025. This was decided by the university's senate, which unanimously decided in February to administer Schölmerich temporarily with the tasks of a president. His term of office is designed for one year and is intended to bridge the time until the appointment of a new president. This is reported by the University of Göttingen .

Falko Mohrs, Lower Saxony's Minister of Science, supported the proposal for the appointment of Prof. Dr. Schölmerich and emphasized his many years of experience and ability to master the strategic challenges of the university. Schölmerich, who was rector of the Ruhr University in Bochum from 2015 to 2021, brought extensive knowledge of academic self-government, which were strengthened in various committees. In his speech, he said positively about the important role of the University of Göttingen in research and teaching.

First steps as Interim President

Prof. Schölmerich plans to actively get in touch with various actors from the university and the Göttingen campus in the coming weeks. His goal is not only to promote internal cooperation, but also to get to know the university better outside of the scientific bubble. Initial discussions were already promising, and he noticed a high willingness to cooperate.

Before he took over the Chair of Psychology at the Ruhr University in Bochum in 1997, Schölmerich worked for five years at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, USA, and two years at the University of Halle-Wittenberg. His research interests focus on the social and emotional development of children in different cultural contexts.

academic self -government in Lower Saxony

Academic self -government at universities in Lower Saxony is characterized by a complex system. The rectorate is at the top, and the central academic Senate plays a crucial role in self -government. In addition to the Senate, there are also other important bodies such as the Faculty Council or the Deanery, which have different decision -making skills. While some bodies, such as the Deanery, have decision -making powers, others, such as committees and committees, are advisable. This enables regulated and structured governance within the university, as described on academics.de

The decision on the appointment of Prof. Dr. Schölmerich shows the commitment of the Senate for an experienced leadership during a transition phase. In the next few months, his ability to organize the strategic tasks of the university will be decisive.