idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
A strong symbolic gesture: Professor Michael Manns hands over the office chain to Professor Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner.
In the face of the many crises and changes that are shaking the world, but also Germany, it is also important to make Hannover Medical School (MHH) future-proof. According to Professor Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner, this can only be achieved by joining forces. She took over the office of President of MHH from her predecessor, Professor Michael Manns, on 1 January 2025. The handover of the presidential chain of office marked the symbolic completion of the change at the helm of the university. Several hundred guests attended the ceremony, including many prominent figures from the fields of medicine, politics, business and society. Together they paid tribute to and bid farewell to former President Professor Manns and wished his successor all the best in her new role.
Full support from the state of Lower Saxony
After the welcoming words of Professor Frank Bengel, Dean of Research, there was resounding applause for Professor Hilfiker-Kleiner and Professor Manns. Falko Mohrs, Lower Saxony's Minister of Science, emphasised that it is not a matter of course to celebrate a change of office with both protagonists at one event. This shows that both are primarily concerned with the matter at hand, namely MHH. The Minister described Professor Manns' achievements as a scientist and physician in internal medicine and gastroenterology, and as MHH President, as “groundbreaking and quality-setting” and thanked him on behalf of Lower Saxony for the positive development of MHH. Addressing Professor Hilfiker-Kleiner, Mohrs said: ’I have no doubt that you will continue on this path. In doing so, we in the state will always stand by your side.’ Further words of greeting were spoken by Dr Josef Lange, Chairman of the University Council, and Dr Philipp Rösler, MHH alumnus and former federal minister.
The healthcare sector as a driver of innovation
Professor Dr Otmar Wiestler, President of the Helmholtz Association, gave the keynote lecture. He highlighted the changes that Germany is facing as a centre of research and innovation. He named the health sector – from biomedical research to digital health solutions and medical technology – as a key driver of innovation and the economy. As for ‘MHH as a location’, the speakers at the event emphasised the following points in particular: the successful generational change at the helm of many clinics and institutes, the advancement of the new clinic building, the successful acquisition of third-party funds, the development of new research structures and the excellence strategy. In all these things, it was unanimously agreed that the university is in a good position thanks to Professor Manns.
‘A life's work like this will never be seen again’
The laudatory speech in honour of the former president was given by Professor Nisar Malek, Director of the Department of Internal Medicine I at the University Hospital of Tübingen and a student of Professor Manns. ‘Your approach was and is to push the boundaries of medical knowledge,’ said Professor Malek. ‘A life's work like this will probably never be seen again in this form.’ In his farewell speech, Professor Manns emphasised: ‘The star is the team!’ He thanked all his colleagues, wished his successor, Professor Hilfiker-Kleiner, good luck and success, and ended with a great wish: for the Hannover Health Science Campus to be recognised as a University of Excellence.
‘It will be the new flagship of MHH’
Professor Hilfiker-Kleiner was lauded by Professor Johann Bauersachs. The Director of MHH Cardiology and Angiology and the new President have a long history of scientific collaboration in the field of pregnancy-related peri- or postpartum cardiomyopathy. Professor Hilfiker-Kleiner has made a name for herself worldwide in the research and treatment of this heart disease. ‘She will be the new beacon of MHH,’ said Professor Bauersachs. After the handover of the presidential chain, the new president thanked Professor Manns for “the solid foundation on which MHH stands”. Looking to the future, she was optimistic: ’MHH has a good chance of becoming one of the world's best universities.’
A quintet from MHH Symphony Orchestra provided musical accompaniment for the evening. The evening drew to a close with a champagne reception for the guests.
Professor Hilfiker-Kleiner with Professor Manns (left) and Falko Mohrs after the investiture.
Copyright: Karin Kaiser/MHH
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