Weimar/Jena, April 28, 2026 – Walter Rosenthal remains President of the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK). The former head of the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena was confirmed in office on Tuesday with a large majority.
- Person: Prof. Dr. Walter Rosenthal (Medical doctor, former FSU President)
- Event: Re-election as President of the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK)
- Term of office: Another three years
- Location of election: General Assembly in Weimar
Second term at the helm of the universities
The General Assembly of the German Rectors’ Conference expressed its confidence in Rosenthal with an overwhelming majority on Tuesday in Weimar. As the sole candidate, he had previously been proposed for re-election by the search committee. This means the experienced medical doctor and science manager will represent the interests of German universities at the national and international levels for another three years.
Rosenthal has been leading the HRK as President since 2023. Previously, he was involved in the conference’s Executive Board from December 2021 as Vice President for the areas of research, academic career paths, and transfer.
Background: The HRK and Rosenthal’s work in Jena
The German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) is the voluntary association of state and state-recognized universities in Germany. It is considered the most important voice of the universities towards politics and the public and deals with all central issues regarding research, teaching, studies, and further education.
In Jena, Walter Rosenthal is a well-known face: as President, he significantly shaped the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität (FSU) before taking over the chairmanship of the nationwide interest group in Bonn and Berlin. FSU Jena, with its thousands of students and researchers, is the largest university in Thüringen and an essential engine for the science and business location of Jena.
Source:
Walter Rosenthal re-elected as HRK President
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.