New professors at Folkwang University: a breath of fresh air for your studies!

New professors at Folkwang University: a breath of fresh air for your studies!

On April 1, 2025, a new academic chapter at the Folkwang University of the Arts came into force when three professors began working in different departments. Dr. Kim Albrecht, who previously worked at renowned institutions such as Harvard University and the Babelsberg Film University, takes over the Chair of Communication Design | Information Design in Department 4. His research focus is on the aesthetic, social and scientific-theoretical dimensions of data, which will give students a well-founded examination of digital media. Albrecht has worked as a senior researcher at metaLAB (at) Harvard in recent years and brings valuable experience from his numerous teaching and research positions.

At the same time, Marc Bouchkov was appointed professor of violin in Department 1. The Belgian violinist, known for his collaborations with orchestras such as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the Munich Philharmonic, will bring his expertise as a soloist, chamber musician and teacher to the teaching. Bouchkov is a winner of the prestigious Tchaikovsky Competition and has studied with renowned teachers including Claire Bernard and Boris Garlitsky.

Professorships for musicology and communication design

Also new at Folkwang University is Dr. Florian Carl, who took over the professorship for ethnomusicology in Faculty 2 on April 1, 2025. Carl studied musicology, African studies and ethnology and researches particularly on topics such as music and migration as well as popular music in Ghana. His extensive experience, which includes teaching at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, will enrich education in the field of ethnomusicology.

Stefan Guzy will be a visiting professor for communication design | Visual identities working in the same field. With a background in visual communications, Guzy brings valuable experience from creative practice ranging from poster design to music videos. The connection between theory and practice is also a central concern of the bachelor's degree program in communication design at Folkwang University, which offers students comprehensive training in the area of ​​design-oriented thinking and working methods [folkwang.uni.de] reports that...

Changes and retirements

On April 22, 2025, Stephanie Thiersch will take up the position as visiting professor at the Folkwang Institute for Contemporary Dance (IZT). Thiersch is an established figure in the dance scene and has developed over 50 stage pieces. In addition, Alexander Kritikos will be honored with an adjunct professorship for tuba on December 18, 2024 and will bring with him his experience as a tuba player in the Essen Philharmonic and as a jury member for regional competitions.

The university will also record some farewells: KMD Professor Dr. theol. Stefan Klöckner, who has been working in Gregorian chant and liturgy since 1999, will say goodbye on February 28, 2025. Professor Mie Miki, who has been teaching at Folkwang University since 1981, will also retire on March 31, 2025. Miki's initiatives, including the Folkwang Konzertexamen excellence course, have had a significant impact on the study landscape.

Overall, the Folkwang University of the Arts is on an exciting path of renewal that further strengthens the connection between traditional teaching and modern, practical approaches in design and music. The new professors enrich the university with their international experience and their commitment to innovative teaching methods that meet the requirements of the 21st century.