Fresh Start for Helge Braun as President of the University of Lübeck
University of Lübeck Appoints Helge Braun as Its New President - Helge Braun Officially Takes Charge as the Head of the University of Lübeck
In the heart of Germany, a change is brewing. Some six weeks into his new role, Helge Braun—the ex-head of the Federal Chancellery—ships anchor and sets sail as the official president of the esteemed University of Lübeck. The venerable institution welcomed him onboard during their traditional annual reception last Thursday.
With an impressive track record that includes stints as parliamentary state secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, state minister, and head of the Federal Chancellery under Angela Merkel (CDU), Braun, the 52-year-old physician, clinched the presidency of the university by a landslide vote from the academic senate. He assumed the position on April 1, 2025.
During his inauguration, the Lübecker authority shared his vision for the university's future—one built in tandem with the academic community, aiming to bolster its influence and achieve greatness.
Enno Hartmann, who acted as an interim president from January to March, was the one to step aside for Braun's grand entrance. Gabriele Gillessen-Kaesbach, the former president, bid farewell at the end of 2024 after a fruitful tenure.
Born in the quaint town of Gießen in 1972, Braun came to prominence not just as a skilled physician but also as a seasoned CDU politician. His journey from politics to academia is nothing short of fascinating, signifying the recognition of his expertise and leadership abilities in both spheres.
- Helge Braun
- President
- University of Lübeck
- Germany
- Lübeck
- University community
- Academic leadership
- CDU
- Government policies
- Inauguration
Helge Braun, the newly appointed president of the University of Lübeck in Germany, emphasized the importance of community aid, vocational training, and education-and-self-development in his vision for the university's future. As a seasoned politician from the CDU party, Braun's leadership extended beyond the realm of politics, as he actively participated in shaping general-news policies related to education during his tenure as parliamentary state secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.
