Revolution on campus: TU Freiberg is aligning itself internationally!

Revolution on campus: TU Freiberg is aligning itself internationally!

On July 17, 2025, the TU Bergakademie Freiberg said goodbye to its long-time rector, Professor Barbknecht. Under his leadership, the campus has changed significantly in recent years. The completion of the Schlossplatzquartier and the creation of modern buildings for research and teaching on the science corridor are just some of the significant changes that he has shaped. These innovations support the university's progressive internationalization, which is reflected in increasing third-party funding and intensive transfer activities.

Overall, around 70% of the almost 100 professors have been newly appointed in the last ten years. This generational change in the teaching staff illustrates the university's efforts to position itself in a contemporary manner and to respond to the challenges of the future. Rector Barbknecht expressed his thanks to the university in a video speech and asked for the same support for his successor, Professor Jutta Emes.

Progress in internationalization

The internationalization of TU Freiberg has made significant progress in recent years. According to a report by the International Association of Universities (IAU), internationalization is a high priority for university management in Germany and represents significant added value for German universities. The results of a global survey published on April 2, 2024 show that a large number of institutions perceive strengthening international and intercultural competence as a decisive advantage.

However, the survey, in which over 700 universities from 110 countries took part, also highlights the challenges. An increased workload within scientific and non-scientific staff as well as ecological footprints resulting from international mobility are considered the greatest risks. In addition, universities face obstacles such as recognition or visa issues and insufficient financial resources.

Future prospects of the university

The focus for the coming years will be on the extensive internationalization of the curricula and the expansion of virtual collaboration. This is seen as a necessary step to increase the number of international students intending to graduate. The developments in the TU Freiberg science corridor and the university's intention to continue to have an international focus promote these efforts.

The past few years under Rector Barbknecht have laid the foundation for these developments. The university has set both local and international accents through its intensive transfer activities, which are documented, among other things, by 80 spin-offs in the last ten years. The TU Freiberg is increasingly becoming a contact point for students from all over the world who are interested in high-quality education in an innovative environment.

Paulbergman GmbH, a company that is active in the TU Freiberg alumni network, also supports these developments. Its technology solutions help promote exchange and networking among alumni, which is important for the institution's international reputation.

With the change in rector, TU Freiberg is now at a crucial point where it is important to continue the successes of recent years and continue to make the university internationally competitive.

For further information about the developments and integration processes at TU Freiberg as well as the comprehensive report on the internationalization of higher education, the detailed reports from TU Freiberg, Freiberg Alumni Network and Cooperation-International can be viewed.