The end of the year is just around the corner, lectures and seminars are drawing to a close and exam preparations are in full swing. A new semester will soon begin, packed with exciting content. New students at all levels and in all faculties are starting their work with us, and we are looking forward to welcoming them all!

A lot has happened in 2023. With the establishment of two new faculties – the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine and the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences and Psychology – the University of Lucerne has taken an important step into the future. We will be breaking new ground not only in teaching and with the new degree programmes, but especially in research. The recent 'Research Day' at Lucerne’s Cantonal Hospital was an impressive demonstration of how doctors are conducting cutting-edge research there – now under the label of our university. To support our research, we have completely restructured our research funding. From 1st January 2024, we will have a Grants Office headed by a very experienced colleague, Ms Anita Soltermann, whom we are very much looking forward to welcoming. She will set up the new Grants Office over the next two years and thus actively support our researchers and their project proposals. Research thrives on good ideas – but unfortunately, in today's highly competitive world of research, this is often no longer enough to acquire a grant or scholarship or to organise and lead a team. Professional support is needed, which has become indispensable for success in an international context. The establishment of our Grants Office is an important step in this direction.

The Executive Board of the University wishes you all happy holidays and a successful start to 2024. We are proud that you have chosen the University of Lucerne as your 'alma mater' and look forward to many interesting encounters in the new year.

Prof. Dr. Alexander H. Trechsel, Vicerector Research