A warm welcome to this new semester! Whether you are new to the University of Lucerne, are continuing your studies or have returned for a further education course – I wish each of you a successful and fulfilling autumn semester. I am also a newcomer! In August I became your new rector, a role which I am looking forward to. For me this is also a time to observe, analyse and learn.

The University of Lucerne is the youngest and smallest university in Switzerland but also the most central and the one that has seen the most growth. Today the university has 15 different fields, 30 departments, institutes, centres and academies, 50 courses of study and approximately 3'000 students from over 60 different countries. Furthermore 70 professors, 170 lecturers and 320 assistants and research assistants ensure excellency in research and teaching. They are supported by 190 members of administrative staff. These numbers are impressive, particularly when you consider that the University of Lucerne was only established in the year 2000.

The University of Lucerne is young. Young institutions and businesses have visions and believe in the future. They have high goals, want to prove themselves, strive for success and do not give up. May you also be successful in building a successful future and may you progress both professionally and personally.

Prof. Dr. Bruno Staffelbach, Rector