From Würzburg to the World

What do graduates of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) do for a living? In order to introduce students to different perspectives, Michaela Thiel, Managing Director of the central alumni network, regularly interviews selected alumni.

This time, Lambert T. Koch answers her questions. He studied economics at JMU, was Rector of the University of Wuppertal and has been President of the German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (DHV) since April 2023.

Professor Koch, how would you describe your day-to-day work to a layperson in a few words?

There are two different hats in my day-to-day work, which I change frequently depending on upcoming appointments. When I'm wearing the hat of President of the German Association of University Professors and Lecturers, I look after the concerns of the more than 33,000 DHV members, most of whom are university lecturers in Germany. One of my tasks is to talk to representatives from politics and society about the importance of science for our location and about good framework conditions for those working in science.

And what do you do with the other hat on your head?

That would be my "own hat" as a university lecturer. When I'm wearing it, I'm currently focussing on economic policy issues relating to the sustainability transition - both in research and teaching as well as in cooperation with stakeholders from business and politics.

What do you particularly like about your role?

I value the many enriching encounters with colleagues throughout Germany that broaden my horizons as President of the DHV. But it is also exciting and fulfilling when you can raise your voice for a good cause and be heard.

The freedom of science is particularly close to your heart.

It is a good that cannot be overestimated and is guaranteed in our constitution. It is important to take preventative action here so that forces that are keen to restrict it are given as little room as possible. Countries such as Russia, China, Turkey and Hungary show just how disastrous restrictions on freedom can be.

What qualities should a DHV President have?

In order to be able to effectively advocate for the concerns of our many members, you probably need to be permanently inquisitive, willing to learn, approachable, listening, non-ideological and, if necessary, courageously hands-on. You should also like people and be communicative. In addition to a certain mental agility, it also makes the job easier if you like to be on the move.

You have been voted Rector of the Year four times. How did that come about?

It's a bit awkward for me to praise myself. However, I was particularly pleased with the respondents' assessment that I am good at integrating and motivating, that I have communicated a clear concept for the university both internally and externally and that I am sensitive to the diversity of academic disciplines.

What are your favourite memories of your time in Würzburg?

I grew up in Würzburg, met my wife there and celebrated our wedding with her at the fortress in 1995. That's why the city is still our second home - even though we've lived in Wuppertal for a long time now. I also love the cultural aesthetics of Würzburg, the beauty of Mainfranken and the reserved but enduring charm of the people in Lower Franconia. As far as my student days are concerned, I have fond memories of many a nice pub crawl through Sanderstraße.

Thank you very much for the interview.

Are you not yet a member of the university's alumni network? Then you are cordially invited to register via the network's website! There, you can also find the previously published interviews with JMU alumni and alumnae.