I would like to extend a warm welcome to you all at the start of this new semester. Some of you are just starting your studies with us, most of you are continuing your studies. I wish you all a successful, fulfilling and fruitful spring semester!

Our university is 17 years ‘old’. In comparison to other universities in Switzerland, we are a start-up enterprise: young, innovative, with ambitious plans and looking to the future with confidence. In the year 2000, the University of Lucerne was founded comprising of 3 faculties. In 2005, recognition was granted by the Swiss Federal Council. In 2011 the university was able to move in to its current building and last year the fourth faculty was founded. Currently there are plans underway with the University of Zurich to set up a Joint Master in Medicine.

These developments mean that university management also needs to be adapted in order to keep abreast with change. Up until now, there have been two pro-rectors alongside the rector. These pro-rectors were however, not represented in any of the university’s management boards. As of the 1^st March, university management will be adapted. There will be three pro-rectors whilst a new General Secretariat will replace Academic Services, as is the standard practice at universities with four faculties. On the 18^th January, the University Council appointed Prof. Dr. Martina Caroni as the new Pro-Rector for Teaching and International Relations and Dr. Wolfgang Schatz as the new General Secretary. Prof. Dr. Martina Caroni’s appointment makes her the University of Lucerne’s first female pro-rector. I would like to warmly welcome Martina Caroni into the university management team! Prof. Dr. Martin Baumann remains Pro-Rector for Research and Prof. Dr. Markus Ries, my deputy, becomes Pro-Rector for University Development. University Administration remains in the hands of Dr. Esther Müller.

The University of Lucerne is young. Just like a start-up enterprise, it has a vision for the future, strives for success and progress. May you also make good progress in this spring semester, gain new insight and may you grow both professionally and personally.

Prof. Dr. Bruno Staffelbach, Rector