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KIT celebrates 200 years: A lighthouse of science in Germany!
KIT celebrates 200 years with a ceremony, international guests of honor and numerous events on the future viability of research and teaching.
KIT celebrates 200 years: A lighthouse of science in Germany!
On February 20, 2025, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) celebrated its 200th anniversary with a festive event that brought together over 2,000 guests. This anniversary celebration, led by presenter Linda Zervakis, is considered an important moment in the institution's history. The President of the KIT, Professor Jan S. Hesthaven, as well as representatives from politics, business and science acknowledged the importance of the KIT as a nationwide unique institution that combines a university and a large research center under one roof. The aim of KIT is to make a contribution to securing the future through internationalization and increased cooperation.
In his speech, Professor Hesthaven emphasized the need to be more open to international students and researchers in order to further establish KIT as an internationally valued educational and research institution. Federal Minister Cem Özdemir described the KIT as a motor for scientific excellence and technical innovation in Germany, while Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann praised the institution as indispensable for Baden-Württemberg as a business and science location.
A diverse program for appreciation
The stage program included live talks, panel discussions and short films that drew attention to the successes and developments of KIT. Alumni reported on their career paths and the high demand that KIT graduates enjoy. The KIT Big Band provided a festive setting for the event, where Gregor Ulbricht, the deputy chairman of the AStA at KIT, also delivered the greeting to the students. The commemorative publication “The First 200 Years” and the anniversary film “KIT. Place of the Future. Since 1825” offer a look back at the achievements and decisions of the past two centuries.
KIT, with around 10,000 employees and 22,800 students, is committed to solving global challenges in the areas of energy, mobility and information. The motto of the anniversary was: “We shape the future – research | teaching | transfer”. This shows the clear focus on looking back and strengthening the community, which is essential for future collaboration.
Diverse activities in the anniversary year
The anniversary year includes a series of celebratory events, lectures, dialogue formats and workshops as well as an exhibition with the aim of promoting trust between employees, students, alumni, partners and the public. These activities underline KIT's special connection to science, business and society.
In a broader context, KIT is also involved in research in the area of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). This tool is considered a recognized means of sustainability assessment. Studies and webinars on this topic, such as the upcoming session of the TwinVECTOR webinar series, show KIT's constant efforts to pass on knowledge and expertise and support strategic decision-making in sustainable projects. Such initiatives help to address the challenges of the future with a comprehensive approach.
The celebrations on the occasion of KIT's 200th anniversary are not only a look back at history, but also a signpost for the future of this important institution and its role in the global scientific landscape.