With our new university mission statement and the University Development Plan (HEP) 2026-2035, we have further sharpened the strategic focus of the University of Wuppertal. Many members of the university have contributed their ideas and perspectives to the participatory process. Together, we have worked out what defines us, what attitude we stand for and what goals we have set ourselves for the next ten years. A mission is derived from this: We are now developing effective measures to achieve these goals. The central goal is to find solutions to social challenges through science. To this end, our researchers are networking across disciplines, particularly in four new future-oriented fields of activity. Our teaching benefits from our research strengths.

Unfortunately, when developing our strategy, we also had to take into account the savings demanded by the state at universities in NRW. Since mid-December, it has been clear that the University of Wuppertal will receive 4.6 million euros less basic funding per year from 2026. Together with the faculties, the administration and the central institutions, we prepared a constructive consolidation early on that protects our strengths and allows us to continue investing. Together with the other NRW universities, we successfully worked towards reducing the cuts and were able to implement the inevitable gradually rather than abruptly with the help of reserves. Not everything can remain as it was; however, we will utilise synergies and of course continue to offer future-oriented, high-profile degree programmes, now more than ever.

In the winter semester, we welcomed 2,672 first-year students; 84 students started the new joint degree programme in primary school teaching at RWTH Aachen University. Numerous fresh alumni celebrated their graduation at the 20th University Ball - to mark this anniversary, we honoured Prof. Dr Norbert Koubek, the inventor of the ball, with a golden lifetime admission ticket. Further successes and great developments in 2025: A record number of researchers at the University of Wuppertal acquired ERC funding, the Institute for Educational Research moved into the modern premises of the former Federal Railway Directorate, we awarded the Sustainability Prize and the Third Mission Honorary Award for the first time, adopted the Gender Equality Concept 2030, awarded the first Distinguished Professorship, concluded a cooperation agreement with the City of Wuppertal and put it on a new footing with the University of Wuppertal Chamber of Industry and Commerce, set a new record for Germany Scholarships, gained great new colleagues* and much more.

We will build on these strong foundations in 2026 and think ahead. Prof. Dr Rita Casale will take up her new position as Vice-Rector for Sustainable Organisational Development and Diversity; Prof. Dr Gertrud Oelerich retired at the turn of the year. We would like to thank her most sincerely for her great commitment, the trusting collaboration and all that she has achieved!

In 2026, we will pay particular attention to the good studyability and quality of our degree programmes and further develop the interdisciplinary support services for our doctoral candidates and postdocs.

Reliable cooperation within the University of Wuppertal and with our partners is particularly valuable in challenging times. The fact that we can continue to build on this cooperation in the new year fills us with confidence. We would like to sincerely thank all those who help shape the University of Wuppertal with their commitment - in research, teaching, studies and third mission, in administration, technology and committees. We look forward to all the impulses, ideas and opportunities that await us. We wish all employees, students and cooperation partners good health and happiness for the new year. May 2026 be a successful year - for all of us personally, for science and for society.

Birgitta Wolff, Rector // Ursula Löffler, Chancellor // Susanne Buch, Vice-Rector for Studies and Teaching // Stefan Kirsch, Vice-Rector for Research and Digital Affairs // Peter Gust, Vice-Rector for Third Mission and International Affairs // Rita Casale, elected Vice-Rector for Sustainable Organisational Development and Diversity