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Berlin, October 7, 2026 – Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin has officially welcomed Professor Dr. Ulf Leser and Professor Dr. Beate Lütke to their new roles as Vice-Presidents. Their appointments, effective October 1, 2026, were confirmed by the HU Council on April 28, 2026. Professor Leser will lead the Research portfolio, and Professor Lütke will be in charge of Teaching and Student Affairs.
New Leadership to Drive University’s Strategic Goals
The new Vice-Presidents succeed Professor Dr. Claudia Mareis, who served as interim Vice-President for Research, and Professor Dr. Niels Pinkwart, who previously held the position for Teaching and Student Affairs. These appointments are expected to bring fresh perspectives and renewed focus to key areas of the university’s development.
Professor Ulf Leser: Championing Research Excellence
Professor Ulf Leser, who has been a Professor of Knowledge Management in Bioinformatics at HU since 2002, brings extensive experience to his new role. His previous leadership positions include spokesperson for the FONDA Collaborative Research Centre, deputy spokesperson for the ‘Computation in Cancer’ Research Training Group, and Vice-Dean for Research in the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
As Vice-President for Research, Professor Leser aims to:
- Support researchers across all faculties in securing funding for institutional capacity-building projects.
- Establish new funding mechanisms, particularly for postdoctoral researchers.
- Ensure early training for all university researchers in crucial cross-cutting topics, such as ‘good scientific practice’.
- Promote optimal supervisory support for academic staff.
Professor Beate Lütke: Enhancing Teaching and Student Experience
Professor Beate Lütke, who joined HU in 2016 as a Professor of German Language Didactics and German as a Second Language, previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Linguistics and Literary Studies. Her vision for Teaching and Student Affairs focuses on sustainable and equitable development.
In her new capacity, Professor Lütke plans to:
- Shape structural, curricular, and digital advancements in teaching and student studies.
- Systematically enhance the quality of teaching across the university.
- Further develop the HU campus as an open, internationally connected hub for learning and exchange.
- Increase student visibility and strengthen their connection to future career paths.
- Provide a diverse range of spaces conducive to learning and collaboration.
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Continues Its Legacy of Academic Leadership
The appointments of Professor Leser and Professor Lütke underscore Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin’s commitment to fostering a dynamic academic environment. Their leadership is anticipated to reinforce the university’s standing as a leading institution for research and education, both nationally and internationally.
The university’s focus on supporting researchers and continuously improving teaching methods is central to its mission. These new leadership roles are strategically positioned to drive these initiatives forward, ensuring that Humboldt-Universität remains at the forefront of academic innovation and student success.
The Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, a renowned institution, plays a pivotal role in the scientific and technological landscape of Berlin Adlershof, a prominent science and technology park. The university’s presence contributes significantly to the vibrant research ecosystem, fostering collaboration and innovation within the region.
The WISTA Management GmbH, responsible for the development of the Science and Technology Park Berlin Adlershof, has emphasized the co-financing from the European Union, particularly through EFRE, for infrastructure development and international projects. This support is crucial for maintaining and advancing the state-of-the-art facilities that benefit institutions like Humboldt-Universität.
The university’s commitment to nurturing young talent and engaging with the wider community is also reflected in its various programs and initiatives, including services for students, STEM promotion, and school labs. These efforts are designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and scholars, ensuring a continuous pipeline of innovation and expertise.
The strategic direction set by the new Vice-Presidents is expected to further strengthen these endeavors, creating an even more robust and supportive environment for academic pursuits at all levels.
Source: HU press release, 5 October 2026
