Stephan Fasshauer: Active in the umbrella organisation for accident insurance
05/05/2026Dr Stephan Fasshauer, who holds a doctorate in economics, is Chief Executive Officer of the German Social Accident Insurance. In this alumni interview, he tells us what he particularly loves about his job.
What do graduates of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) do for a living? In order to introduce students to different perspectives, Michaela Thiel and her team from the central alumni network "Uni Würzburg Community" regularly interview selected alumni.
Today it is Dr Stephan Fasshauer's turn. He studied economics at the University of Würzburg and is the Managing Director of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV).
Dr Fasshauer, what do you do?
Protecting people is the guiding principle of my day-to-day work. The actual work is characterised by diversity. In our umbrella organisation of 33 statutory accident insurance institutions, we are responsible for the joint direction of (accident) prevention, rehabilitation and compensation for around 67 million people. We do this, among other things, with two large research institutes with several hundred employees, particularly from the engineering and medical fields. We also coordinate the implementation of new legal regulations, we are responsible for the data, we advise politicians and represent accident insurance in national, European and global committees, for example on the Supply Chain Act.
What is currently the biggest challenge for the DGUV?
Accident insurance is facing similar challenges to all branches of social insurance: demographic change, digital transformation, the shortage of skilled workers and the current difficult overall economic situation. This means that we do not have one challenge, but multiple ones. We are meeting this challenge in line with our strategic orientation for the future viability of the entire accident insurance sector, with a particular focus on a clear vision of smart occupational safety with the help of digitalisation and AI.
What do you particularly love about your job?
The fact that the German Social Accident Insurance is a one-stop shop: we combine science and research with administration and practical implementation in individual cases. We support those affected from the operating theatre to their reintegration into working life.
What should people who want to pursue a similar career bring with them?
A degree from the University of Würzburg! Then they have the necessary tools: a very good education, strong methodological knowledge, an interest in scientific findings and socially relevant topics as well as a very good network.
What is your favourite memory of your time as a student?
This memory is of course very private. Apart from that, it's the first, second, third and all the other freshers' parties in the canteen!
Thank you very much for the interview!
You are not yet a member of the alumni network "Uni Würzburg Community" or Alumni & Friends e.V.? Then you are cordially invited to register! You can do so on the Community website. There you will also find the interviews with JMU alumni and alumnae published so far.
