Near enough to grasp

Innovation, diversity and passion: Those are the three guiding principles of our FAU, as stated in our mission statement. But what use are guiding principles that are just written down in a strategic document but are of no significance in real life? At FAU, we live these guiding principles every day in all that we do – in research, in teaching and when it comes to sharing the knowledge created at our University with society, whether in partnership with companies, in start-ups or in dialog with people from the region.
This, the second issue of our FAU magazine, underlines all of the above: It shows researchers who tirelessly keep pushing the boundaries of what has been believed to be possible, whether this involves developing an entirely new type of prosthetic or the hunt for neutrinos in perpetual ice. It introduces students who work together to achieve outstanding results for their FAU – like the Formula Student team, whose electric racing car is their pride and joy. It talks about teaching staff who pass on their knowledge with infectious enthusiasm and creativity, for instance the winners of our teaching awards. And it reports back on members of staff with foresight and a talent for getting to the crux of the matter who are dedicated to improving the (research) infrastructure at FAU.
Of particular importance to the success of our FAU are people who are there for their University and who campaign tirelessly for our research location. Read the interview with the chair of our University Council Roland Busch, Siemens CEO and FAU alumnus, to discover the fascination FAU has for him. Follow a conversation between Humboldt professor Michaela Mahlberg and Bavaria’s Science Minister Markus Blume to discover what Bavaria needs to thrive as a research location. And find out what Andrea Bréard’s plans are as the new Vice President Education of FAU.
As you can see, it is always the people who make a place come to life. Once again this year, we would like to dedicate the following pages to them and their achievements.
I hope you enjoy reading,
Joachim Hornegger, President of FAU
“It was an ugly piece of land, unuse...
The FAU Magazine has won the German Design Award 2025. It is “Winner” in the category Excellent Communications Design, Editorial.
The German Design Award is the premium award of the German Design Council. With its worldwide spectrum and international appeal, it is one of the most prestigious awards in the design landscape across all industries. 16 nationalities are represented on the jury of the German Design Award 2025. It is made up of renowned design experts from business, education and science as well as the design industry.
Publisher
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität
Erlangen-Nürnberg
Schlossplatz 4, 91054 Erlangen
Project lead
Blandina Mangelkramer, Silke Sauer
Editorial concept
FAU Stabsstelle für Presse und Kommunikation: Blandina Mangelkramer, Boris Mijat
Editorial team
Boris Mijat, Matthias Münch
Design concept, picture editorial and production management
FAU Brand Office: Silke Sauer, Silke Vöhringer
Design
zur.gestaltung, Nürnberg
Lecture
Peter Werther, Wortfindung – Susanne Hofmann
Print Production
Druckhaus Haspel Erlangen e.K.
Date of publication
November 2024