No agreement reached in negotiations with the elected President

“The Commission identified Professor Anke Holler as an exceptionally suitable candidate, who was subsequently elected by the University Assembly in November to succeed Professor Walter Bauer-Wabnegg. Unfortunately, it was not possible to reach an agreement on the terms and conditions. Both she and I deeply regret this outcome.”

Professor Anke Holler had been elected to the post by a majority vote of the University Assembly in November 2025. She was due to succeed Professor Walter Bauer-Wabnegg, who is due to retire in October 2026 after twelve years in office. A new suitable candidate for the presidency must now be found.

From the end of Professor Bauer-Wabnegg’s term of office, at the beginning of October 2026, until a newly elected President takes office, the university will be headed by an interim President chosen from among the current members of the Presidium.

The chair of the selection committee, Professor Andrea Dorothea Bührmann, emphasises, however: “The University of Erfurt stands on a strong foundation, and the demand for this leadership position demonstrates the high standing of this institution – even far beyond Thuringia. I am therefore convinced that we will swiftly find an outstanding new candidate who will lead the university into a successful future with professional expertise and dedication.”