Pioneering Spirit Shown and Passion Invested
10/14/2025University President Paul Pauli has bid farewell to the long-standing directorate of the Siebold Collegium. He thanked them for their commitment and welcomed the successor trio.
Founded in 2016, the Siebold Collegium, Institute for Advanced Studies (SCIAS) at the University of Würzburg, is an important building block in the university's internationalisation strategy. It offers up to 20 outstanding guest researchers from all over the world a temporary home in the Welz Haus in the city centre. SCIAS organises public events and other activities with the aim of connecting the guests with researchers and students at JMU, as well as with the urban community.
For almost ten years, Professors Eva-Bettina Bröcker, Michael Erler and Ulrike Holzgrabe headed the Siebold Collegium as the directorate. Now the baton has been passed: Professors Holger Braunschweig, Stephanie Catani and Cordula Matthies (spokesperson) form the new Board of Directors.
Farewell in the Senate Hall
University President Paul Pauli bid farewell to the previous Board of Directors at a small ceremony in the Senate Hall. "You supported the start-up phase and established structures. It was always important to you to only appoint excellent international scientists to SCIAS."
In addition, the outgoing Board of Directors organised numerous guest lectures and interdisciplinary discussions, from the humanities and life sciences to medicine. It has also enriched culture in the Welz Haus and the city of Würzburg with Christmas concerts and exhibitions by regional artists.
Opening Doors Between Disciplines, Countries and Hearts
The President presented certificates and gifts - including a SCIAS figurine as a key fob made in the 3D printers at the Würzburg Centre of Polymers for Life - as a token of gratitude for the pioneering spirit and passion that those involved have invested in SCIAS.
"The key fob symbolises what SCIAS is all about: opening doors between disciplines, countries and hearts," said Pauli.
He also presented such pendants to the members of the new Board of Directors. They will ensure continuity in the work of SCIAS, but will also bring fresh impetus. It will be supported by the University's SCIAS Office and the University of Würzburg GmbH für Bildungs- und Campusdienstleistungen, which operates the Welz-Haus.
