HAIsociety Heidelberg alumnus appointed as new external member of the University Council
Science journalist Joachim Müller-Jung, an alumnus of Heidelberg University, has been elected as an external member of Ruperto Carola's University Council. After the election was confirmed by the Senate of Heidelberg University, the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science announced the appointment of the 61-year-old with effect from October 1, 2024. Alongside the Rectorate and Senate, the University Council is one of Ruperto Carola's three central bodies.
Joachim Müller-Jung studied biology in Heidelberg and Cologne. At the same time as his studies, he also worked as a science journalist for agencies, magazines and as a freelancer for the “Kölnische Rundschau”. He began a traineeship there in 1993 and moved to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung in 1995 as an editor for the “Nature and Science” section. In spring 2003, he became head of department and has been a member of the “Science” department of the FAZ and its Sunday newspaper since December 2021.
The twelve-member University Council consists of five internal and seven external members, each of whom has a three-year term of office. According to the State Higher Education Act, the board is responsible for the development of the university and proposes measures to raise its profile and increase its performance and competitiveness. Its most important tasks include electing the Rector and the Chancellor, passing resolutions on structural and development plans and approving the annual financial statements of the University and the two medical faculties.
