The new president of the UdK Berlin: Hilgert wants to bring a breath of fresh air!

The new president of the UdK Berlin: Hilgert wants to bring a breath of fresh air!

On March 11, 2025, Prof. Dr. Markus Hilgert appointed new President of the Berlin University of the Arts (UdK). This significant step was formalized on March 19, 2025 in the presence of Ina Czyborra, Senator for Science, Health and Care, when she presented him with the certificate of appointment. With this appointment, Hilgert takes on a key role at one of the largest arts and sciences universities in Europe.

Hilgert has already emphasized that he wants to play an active role in shaping the fate of the university. He plans to work closely with students, employees, teachers and professors to further develop the UdK and strengthen its importance.

An experienced cultural manager

Prof. Dr. Markus Hilgert, born on August 11, 1969 in Koblenz, brings extensive experience from various areas of science and culture that he was able to acquire in the past. Before his appointment as President of the UdK, he was Board Member and Secretary General of the Cultural Foundation of the States since 2018. This shows his deep-rooted connection to the German cultural scene and educational institutions.

Hilgert previously headed the Near Eastern Museum in the Pergamonmuseum, a position he held from March 2014 to May 2018. His academic career includes several positions, including a professorship for ancient oriental studies at the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, which he held from 2007 to 2014. There he also held leadership roles in various research projects and was also active in teaching.

A comprehensive educational offering

The Berlin University of the Arts will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025. It combines all artistic disciplines and the associated sciences and offers over 70 degree programs in the faculties of fine arts, design, music and performing arts. Around a third of the approximately 4,000 students have an international background, which underlines the cultural diversity and openness of the institution. The UdK contributes to Berlin's cultural life with over 700 events annually, and Hilgert's vision could further promote these contributions.

Hilgert was elected by the Extended Academic Senate of the UdK Berlin on December 12, 2024 and will officially take office on April 1, 2025. He follows Prof. Dr. Norbert Palz, whose term of office ends on March 31, 2025. Hilgert has also been involved in science and culture on a voluntary basis, including as a board member of the German UNESCO Commission since 2018.

His academic path began early; After graduating from the Fürst-Johann-Ludwig-Schule in Hadamar in 1989, he studied ancient oriental studies, Semitic studies and comparative religion at first-class universities. But his commitment goes beyond research and teaching. He has initiated a wide range of projects, including the Emergency Alliance for Culture, which was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prof. Dr. Hilgert's impressive CV shows that he will enter his new role at UdK Berlin with a wide range of experiences and a clear commitment to culture and science. As an honorary professor at several universities, he is firmly anchored in the academic community and well positioned to shape the future of the UdK.

For further information regarding the appointment please see UDK Berlin. Background information about him is available Wikipedia to retrieve. To find out more about cultural projects and initiatives, you can Cultural Foundation of the States visit.