Prof. Dr. Braun succeeds Prof. Dr. Enno Hartmann, who served as Acting President from January to March 2025. Prior to that, Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gillessen-Kaesbach held the presidency until the end of 2024. The Academic Senate of University of Lübeck unanimously elected Prof. Dr. Braun in November 2024. His term of office spans six years. A formal inauguration ceremony will be held during the university’s annual reception on May 15, 2025.
Prof. Dr. Braun expressed his enthusiasm for further developing the strengths of the university: "University rankings confirm our high level of student satisfaction. This provides an excellent foundation to build on as we work to make our academic programs even more attractive."
He intends to attract students from the Hansebelt region, across Germany and Europe, and from around the world by offering innovative degree programs. His strategic goals also include advancing research excellence and leveraging the university’s broad life sciences portfolio to generate knowledge that will directly benefit people and patients. He is committed to further expanding the university’s already impressive success in securing research funding through targeted strategic priorities.
Moreover, he aims to promote a strong sense of unity and belonging within the university community. Prof. Dr. Braun emphasized: "Together with all stakeholders, I want our region to be proud of its university - and that the University of Lübeck continues to shine, both within the region and far beyond."
Prof. Dr. Braun studied medicine in Gießen and worked as a physician and research associate at the University Hospital Gießen. In 2002, he was first elected to the German Bundestag and continued part-time work in clinical practice, teaching, and research until 2009. His political career includes serving as Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Education and Research, Minister of State at the Federal Chancellery, Head of the Federal Chancellery and Federal Minister for Special Affairs, and Chair of the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag.
According to the Higher Education Act of the state of Schleswig-Holstein, the President chairs the university’s Executive Board, which governs the institution, and holds the authority to set strategic guidelines. The role is a full-time position with a six-year term. The Executive Board consists of the President, four Vice Presidents, and the Chancellor. The President represents the university externally and is responsible for day-to-day operations and maintaining order within the institution.
Prof. Dr. Hartmann and Prof. Dr. Gillessen-Kaesbach congratulate their successor and wish him every success in his new role.
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