# The Rector of the University of Bonn
**Source**: https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/organisation-and-institutions/rectorate/rector
**Parent**: https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/imprint
© Volker Lannert/Universität Bonn
- **Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Hoch has been the 143rd Rector of the University of Bonn since May 2015.**
- The Rector is the head of the University of Bonn. He acts as its representative and ensures that University rules are observed.
- He is responsible for defining the University’s strategic objectives (e.g. [Excellence Strategy](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/research-and-teaching/research-profile/excellence-strategy/excellence-strategy)1) and coordinating their implementation. He is also responsible for the area of knowledge [transfer.](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/research-and-teaching/transfer/transfer-center-enacom/transfercenter-enacom)2
- The Rector is assisted by the [Rectorate’s Executive Management](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/organisation-and-institutions/rectorate/executive-management)3.
[See also: History and Tradition - Gown, Beret, Chain of Office, and Scepter](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university-life/events/opening-of-the-academic-year/history-and-tradition-of-the-opening-of-the-academic-year)4
## Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Hoch
- **since 2015 - 143rd Rector of the University of Bonn (in his third term of office)**
- **since 2022 - Chair of the university alliance[German U15](https://www.german-u15.de/ "German U15")5**
- **since 2023 - President of the [Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (German Academic Scholarship Foundation)](https://www.studienstiftung.de/ "Studienstiftung")6**
#### Curriculum Vitae
> - **2024:** Re-elected as Rector
> - **2020:** Re-elected as Rector
> - **2019:** Under his leadership, the University of Bonn became the most successful institution in the German Excellence Strategy (6 Clusters of Excellence and title University of Excellence)
> - **2019:** “University Manager of the Year 2019” (CHE and DIE ZEIT)
> - **2015:**Elected as Rector of the University of Bonn
> - **2000–2006:** Co-founder of the Life & Medical Sciences Institute ([LIMES](https://www.limes-institut-bonn.de/en/home/)7) \
> and Spokesperson for the LIMES Alliance
> - **since 1999:** University Professor of Molecular Developmental Biology at the University of Bonn
> - **1983–1989****:** Studies in Biology in Heidelberg and Paris
### Honours and awards (selected)
- **2024:** “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” of the Japan’s Imperial House
- **2023:** "Rector of the Decade" ([DHV - German Association of University Professors and Lecturers](https://www.hochschulverband.de/en/)8)
- **2020, 2021, 2023:** “Rector of the Year” ([DHV - German Association of University Professors and Lecturers](https://www.hochschulverband.de/en/)8)
- **2020:** Signature in the “Golden Book” of the City of Bonn
- **2017:** Honorary Doctorate of Waseda University, Tokyo
- **1986 - 1989:** Scholarship from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation
[Rector’s Curriculum Vitae, English (PDF)](https://www.uni-bonn.de/de/universitaet/medien-universitaet/medien-organisation-und-einrichtungen/medien-rektorat/20250131_cv-rector-prof-dr-h-c-michael-hoch-english.pdf)9
© Kay Herschelmann
© Volker Lannert/Universität Bonn
### A message from the Rector
*WE -* *the very first word in our founding charter - captures the spirit that still defines us today. For over 200 years, the University of Bonn has united people from around the world to explore, discover, and shape the future together. Diversity, openness, and shared responsibility drive our community of 50,000 students, teachers, researchers, and staff.*
*As a University of Excellence, we are one of Germany's leading institutions of higher education. Located in Germany’s UN City and the country’s second political center, we are part of one of Europe’s most research-intensive regions. International rankings place us among the top 100 universities worldwide, with many disciplines counted among the global leaders.*
*With 8 Clusters of Excellence – a distinction unmatched in Germany – as well as eight Nobel Prizes and the only two Fields Medalists from Germany, we hold a leading position nationally and internationally.*
*Together with our regional, national, and international partners, we aim to make an even greater contribution to global progress in the future.*
*Yours sincerely,* *Michael Hoch*
[University of Bonn: Mission Statement](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/about-the-university/mission-statement)10
## News
- [Chris Day (Russel Group) and Michael Hoch (German U15): The recent Germany-UK Treaty provides a platform to build on existing links and boost success in the next Horizon Europe (August, 2025)](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/these-times-uk-german-research-collaboration-must-be-ramped)11
- [German U15 and its chair Michael Hoch were delighted to host U15 Canada for a return visit during the International Science Symposium (ISPS) in Hanover (January, 2025)](https://www.german-u15.de/en/Internationales/Archiv-Internationales-EN/Internationales-News-2025-EN/2025-01-22-24_U15_Canada.html)12
- [Special Lecture by University of Bonn Rector Michael Hoch: Developing Basic Attitudes and Fostering Exchanges for the Development of Science – Waseda University (October, 2024)](https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/82087 "Special Lecture by University of Bonn Rector Michael Hoch: Developing Basic Attitudes and Fostering Exchanges for the Development of Science")13
- 14[International Academic Cooperation in a Geopolitically Changing World | United Nations University. UNU will host a conversation with Michael Hoch, the Rector of the University of Bonn (October, 2024)](https://unu.edu/conversation-series/international-academic-cooperation-geopolitically-changing-world)14
[© Photo: Bernadett Yehdou/Uni Bonn](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/184-2025 "University of Bonn Honors Four Outstanding Individuals with Its University Medal")15
[University of Bonn Honors Four Outstanding Individuals with Its University Medal](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/184-2025)15
The University Medal is the highest honor that the University of Bonn can bestow on its members and its wider community, meaning that it is only ever awarded to people who have rendered truly special service to the University. The medal is presented by the Rectorate and the Senate, which counts representatives of all the University’s status groups among its members. This year, this unique accolade was conferred on to four exceptional individuals during the ceremonial opening of the academic year 2025/26.
Oct 21, 2025
15
[© Volker Lannert / Universität Bonn](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/150-2025 "University of Bonn One of Germany’s Top Four Universities")16
[University of Bonn One of Germany’s Top Four Universities](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/150-2025)16
The recently published Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) still puts the University of Bonn among the four best universities in Germany. It has been placed 11th in the list of top universities in the EU and 68th in the world.
Aug 15, 2025
16
[© Universität Bonn / YouTube](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/095-2025 "Most successful University in the competition, having received eight Clusters of Excellence")17
[Most successful University in the competition, having received eight Clusters of Excellence](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/095-2025)17
A huge success for the University of Bonn: today, all six of the University of Bonn's existing Clusters of Excellence were selected for further funding in the nationwide Excellence Competition. In addition, both newly applied Bonn cluster initiatives will receive funding from the federal and state governments. This means that Bonn will be represented by a total of eight clusters in the coming funding period - more than at any other university in Germany.
May 22, 2025
17
[© Photo: Barbara Frommann/Uni Bonn](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/karneval-trifft-universitaet-ein-fest-der-jecken-und-fabelwesen "Carnival meets University - carnival revelers, plaster art and mythical creatures")18
[Carnival meets University - carnival revelers, plaster art and mythical creatures](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/karneval-trifft-universitaet-ein-fest-der-jecken-und-fabelwesen)18
The University of Bonn has been combining academic excellence with Rhenish cheerfulness for many years. This carnival season, the gates of the University of Excellence are once again wide open for encounters of the jolly kind. The Rector's traditional reception for the Carnival Prince and Bonna was just the beginning...
Feb 23, 2025
18
[© Photo: Gregor Hübl/Uni Bonn](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/018-2025 "Change at the top of the Bonn University Council")19
[Change at the top of the Bonn University Council](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/018-2025)19
The University Council of the University of Bonn has a new chairman: The committee unanimously elected the Secretary General of the Volkswagen Foundation, Dr. Georg Schütte, to succeed Prof. Dr. Dieter Engels, who had chaired the University Council since 2013.
Feb 03, 2025
19
[© Foto: Barbara Frommann/Uni Bonn](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/205-2024 "University of Bonn opens its 2024/2025 academic year")20
[University of Bonn opens its 2024/2025 academic year](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/205-2024)20
As is tradition, the University of Bonn opened its 2024/2025 academic year on October 18, the date of the institution’s founding. The joy at everything that the University of Excellence and its members had achieved was tempered by a contemplative mood due in particular to the many conflicts currently affecting the world—conflicts whose impact can also be felt here in Bonn.
Oct 18, 2024
20
[© Photo: Consulate General of Japan, Düsseldorf](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/grosse-verdienste-um-austausch-und-verstaendnis "Japan’s Imperial House honors Rector Michael Hoch")21
[Japan’s Imperial House honors Rector Michael Hoch](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/grosse-verdienste-um-austausch-und-verstaendnis)21
Rector Professor Michael Hoch has now been given the “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays” of Japan’s Imperial House in recognition of his contribution to academic exchange and Japanese-German understanding. The order, which is one of the highest awarded in Japan for services to civil society, was presented by the country’s Consul-General Setsuko Kawahara on behalf of the Tennō and the Prime Minister of Japan at a ceremony held at her official residence in Düsseldorf.
Oct 01, 2024
21
[© Photo: Gregor Hübl/Uni Bonn](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/137-2024 "University Election Assembly elects five female and one male Vice-Rectors")22
[University Election Assembly elects five female and one male Vice-Rectors](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/137-2024)22
The University Election Assembly of the University of Bonn has elected five female Vice-Rectors and one male Vice-Rector. This completes the team with which Rector Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Hoch will start his third term of office in May 2025. Vice-Rectors are part-time and form the Rectorate together with the Rector and Provost Holger Gottschalk.
Jul 05, 2024
22
© Volker Lannert/Universität Bonn
© Volker Lannert/Uni Bonn
© Barbara Frommann/Universität Bonn
© U7+
© Volker Lannert/Universität Bonn
© Waseda University
© Barbara Frommann/Universität Bonn
© Volker Lannert/Uni Bonn
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## Contact
Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael Hoch
[rektor@uni-bonn.de](mailto:rektor@uni-bonn.de)
[+49 228 73 5738](tel:+49 228 73 5738)
Rector of the University of Bonn
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
© Jürgen Hofmann
[About the Rectorate's Executive Management](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/organisation-and-institutions/rectorate/executive-management)3
Jonas Fehres
[fehres@uni-bonn.de](mailto:fehres@uni-bonn.de)
[+49 228 73 5088](tel:+49 228 73 5088)
Personal Assistant to the Rector
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
© Jürgen Hofmann
Niklas Almasi
[niklas.almasi@uni-bonn.de](mailto:niklas.almasi@uni-bonn.de)
[+49 228 73 5090](tel:+49 228 73 5090)
Advisor to the Rector
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
© Bernadett Yehdou
Christopher Prinz
[christopher.prinz@uni-bonn.de](mailto:christopher.prinz@uni-bonn.de)
[+49 228 73 69002](tel:+49 228 73 69002)
Advisor to the Rector
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
© Bernadett Yehdou
Heidrun Schneider-Klinkosch
[rektorbuero@uni-bonn.de](mailto:rektorbuero@uni-bonn.de)
[+49 228 73 5738](tel:+49 228 73 5738)
Assistant to the Rector
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
© Jürgen Hofmann
Lisa Wulf
[rektorbuero@uni-bonn.de](mailto:rektorbuero@uni-bonn.de)
[+49 228 73 68754](tel:+49 228 73 68754)
Assistant to the Rector
Dechenstraße 3-11
53115 Bonn
© Bernadett Yehdou
## Press Service
Please direct any press inquiries to the [Press Service](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/press-and-communications/press-service)23.
---
## Also see
### The Provost
Holger Gottschalk has been the head of the University administration since 2017. His goal is to achieve agile university management.
**[About the Provost](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/organisation-and-institutions/rectorate/provost)24**
### Excellence Strategy
Since 2019, the University of Bonn has held the title of "University of Excellence" and, with six Clusters of Excellence, has been the most successful institution in the German Excellence Strategy. In 2025, it succeeded in securing two additional Clusters.
**[About the Excellence Strategy](https://www.uni-bonn.de/de/forschung-lehre/forschungsprofil/exzellenzstrategie/exzellenzstrategie)25**
### enaCom Transfer Center
The enaCom Transfer Center is the point of contact for all matters relating to knowledge and technology transfer—for everyone interested in working together with us.
**[More information on enaCom](https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/research-and-teaching/transfer/transfer-center-enacom)26**
## Links
1. https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/research-and-teaching/research-profile/excellence-strategy/excellence-strategy
2. https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/research-and-teaching/transfer/transfer-center-enacom/transfercenter-enacom
3. https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/organisation-and-institutions/rectorate/executive-management
4. https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university-life/events/opening-of-the-academic-year/history-and-tradition-of-the-opening-of-the-academic-year
5. https://www.german-u15.de/
6. https://www.studienstiftung.de/
7. https://www.limes-institut-bonn.de/en/home/
8. https://www.hochschulverband.de/en/
9. https://www.uni-bonn.de/de/universitaet/medien-universitaet/medien-organisation-und-einrichtungen/medien-rektorat/20250131\_cv-rector-prof-dr-h-c-michael-hoch-english.pdf
10. https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/about-the-university/mission-statement
11. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/these-times-uk-german-research-collaboration-must-be-ramped
12. https://www.german-u15.de/en/Internationales/Archiv-Internationales-EN/Internationales-News-2025-EN/2025-01-22-24\_U15\_Canada.html
13. https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/82087
14. https://unu.edu/conversation-series/international-academic-cooperation-geopolitically-changing-world
15. https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/184-2025
16. https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/150-2025
17. https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/095-2025
18. https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/karneval-trifft-universitaet-ein-fest-der-jecken-und-fabelwesen
19. https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/018-2025
20. https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/205-2024
21. https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/grosse-verdienste-um-austausch-und-verstaendnis
22. https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/137-2024
23. https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/press-and-communications/press-service
24. https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/organisation-and-institutions/rectorate/provost
25. https://www.uni-bonn.de/de/forschung-lehre/forschungsprofil/exzellenzstrategie/exzellenzstrategie
26. https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/research-and-teaching/transfer/transfer-center-enacom