Full support from the state of Lower Saxony
After the welcoming remarks by Dean of Research Professor Frank Bengel, Professor Hilfiker-Kleiner and Professor Manns were greeted with thunderous applause. Lower Saxony's Minister of Science Falko Mohrs emphasised that it was 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 cause, i.e. the MHH. The minister described Professor Manns' achievements as a scientist and physician in internal medicine and gastroenterology, as well as MHH president, as “groundbreaking and setting new standards,” and thanked him on behalf of Lower Saxony for the positive development of the MHH. Addressing Professor Hilfiker-Kleiner, Mohrs said, ’I have no doubt that you will continue on this path. The state will always stand by your side.’ Further welcoming remarks were given by Dr. Josef Lange, Chairman of the University Council, and Dr. Philipp Rösler, MHH alumnus and former Federal Minister.
Healthcare sector as a driver of innovation
The keynote speech was given by Professor Otmar Wiestler, President of the Helmholtz Association. He highlighted the changes facing Germany as a centre of research and innovation. He cited the healthcare sector – from biomedical research and digital healthcare solutions to medical technology – as a key driver of innovation and the economy. With regard to the MHH as a location, the speakers at the event highlighted the following points in particular: the successful generational change at the helm of many clinics and institutes, the progress made on the new clinic building, the successful acquisition of third-party funding, the establishment of new research structures and the excellence strategy. The unanimous opinion was that the university is in a good position in all these areas thanks to Professor Mann.
‘A life's work like this will never be seen again’
The laudatory speech for the former president was given by Professor Nisar Malek, Director of the Department of Internal Medicine I at Tübingen University Hospital and a student of Professor Mann. ‘Your approach was and is to push the boundaries of medical knowledge,’ said Professor Malek. ‘There will probably never be another life's work like this in this form.’ In keeping with this, Professor Manns emphasised in his farewell speech: ‘The star is the team!’ He thanked all his companions, wished his successor Professor Hilfiker-Kleiner good luck and success, and ended with one big wish: that the Hannover Health Science Campus achieve the status of a university of excellence.
‘It will be the new flagship of MHH’
Professor Hilfiker-Kleiner was praised by Professor Johann Bauersachs. The director of the MHH Clinic for 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 the MHH,’ said Professor Bauersachs. After the handover of the chain of office, the new president thanked Professor Manns for “the solid foundation on which the MHH stands.” Looking to the future, she was optimistic: ’The MHH has a good chance of becoming one of the best universities in the world.’
A quintet from the MHH Symphony Orchestra provided musical accompaniment for the evening. The evening concluded with a champagne reception for the guests.
Text: Tina Götting/MHH
