Katharina Fegebank: Minister of Science for the Third Time
Katharina Fegebank, Hamburg’s Senator for Science from the Green Party, has once again been voted "Science Minister of the Year" by the German Association of Universities (DHV). The association honors the outstanding achievements of science and higher education policymakers at the federal and state levels. According to the DHV, 2,335 scientists participated in the vote.
This accolade marks the third time that Fegebank has topped the ranking, after previous victories in 2020 and 2023. With a grade of 2.31, she secured the top spot ahead of her colleagues Armin Willingmann (2.32) from Saxony-Anhalt and Manja Schüle (3.03) from Brandenburg, both from the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
At the lower end of the ranking, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Science Minister Bettina Martin (3.73) was followed by her Berlin counterpart Ina Czyborra (3.85) and Hesse’s Science Minister Timon Gremmels (3.85), all from the SPD.
Former Federal Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP), who stepped down after the recent traffic light coalition’s loss, held onto the "bottom of the class" position with a grade of 4.82. According to the report, nearly 35% of participating scientists rated her as a "very poor appointment," while 30.3% considered her "the worst possible appointment."
Specific Contributions and Initiatives
Fegebank’s recognition stems from her exceptional efforts in advancing science and research in Hamburg. Under her leadership, the city has seen significant growth in higher education institutions and research infrastructure. Notably, she played a pivotal role in establishing the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) as one of Germany’s leading medical research and teaching centers.
Furthermore, Fegebank has been instrumental in promoting digitalization in higher education. She has launched several initiatives to integrate technology into teaching and learning, such as the "Smart Campus Hamburg" project. This initiative aims to create a state-of-the-art digital infrastructure that connects all universities and research institutions in the city.
Commitment to Scientific Freedom and Collaboration
Fegebank has also been praised for her unwavering commitment to scientific freedom and international collaboration. She has consistently emphasized the importance of basic research and has supported the development of interdisciplinary research networks. Additionally, she has forged strong partnerships with international universities and research institutions.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Fegebank has outlined her vision for the future of science and research in Hamburg. She plans to focus on sustainability, interdisciplinary research, and digitalization. By fostering collaboration between universities, research institutions, and industry, she aims to transform Hamburg into a thriving hub for innovation and knowledge creation.
Conclusion
Katharina Fegebank’s repeated recognition as "Minister of Science of the Year" is a testament to her exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence in higher education and research. Her unwavering dedication to scientific freedom, collaboration, and innovation has positioned Hamburg as a center of academic and scientific excellence. As the city continues to thrive in science and research, Fegebank’s vision and ongoing efforts will undoubtedly shape its future trajectory.
