The motto of this year’s Lucerne Festival is 'Childhood'. In the festival’s programme, the president, Dr. Hubert Achermann, and the director, Mr. Michael Haefliger, write: "In every child lies a little genius. No other phase of our lives is so full of fantasy, creativity and sheer freedom from traditions and dogmas than childhood". This made me think of our university. Are not elements like fantasy, creativity and freedom prerequisites for good research and teaching? And what about us? Are we imaginative, creative and independent geniuses? Do we facilitate learning or do we give lectures? Do we motivate or discipline? Are we an organisation that imparts learning or do we simply organise teachings? In an institution that is dominated by processes and standards, it is hard to be independent. The teaching programme here is called ‘Einordnung’ (subordination). The development in our communication skills means that we can determine this. Being open to criticism comes through being (self-)critical.

I would like to wish everyone at the University of Lucerne a brilliant autumn semester 2018 – full of fantasy, creativity and independence in research, teaching and further education. I extend a warm welcome to all new students at the University of Lucerne, wishing you successful and fulfilling studies. I also extend a special welcome to our new Vice Rector for Research, Prof. Dr. Alexander Trechsel. The University Management Team looks forward to working with him to further develop our university. 

Prof. Dr. Bruno Staffelbach, Rector