University Medicine Oldenburg hosted a parliamentary evening in Hanover on 24 January 2019. The response was excellent: in addition to numerous members of the state parliament and representatives of the Ministry of Science, the 45 or so guests included the President of the state parliament Dr Gabriele Andretta, Minister of Science Björn Thümler, Minister of Social Affairs Dr Carola Reimann, Minister of Finance Reinhold Hilbers and Member of the Bundestag Stephan Albani.

After a warm welcome and appreciative words about University Medicine Oldenburg from President Andretta and Minister Thümler, the Oldenburg hosts presented themselves with a great deal of commitment - and made a noticeable impression. Speakers included University President Prof Dr Dr Hans Michael Piper, Dean Prof Dr Hans Gerd Nothwang and Groningen microbiologist Prof Dr Alexander Friedrich. The programme also included a discussion with students and a doctor from the network of teaching practices. The student a cappella band Major 5 provided musical entertainment.

The rest of the evening was characterised by many intensive discussions. The focus was on the special features of the degree programme, which is unique in Europe, as well as the upcoming increase in student places, the current teaching and research situation and the ambitious plans for the future. Guests and hosts engaged in lively, constructive and lengthy discussions - the Oldenburg delegation only made their way home after midnight, with many good wishes ("Come back to Hannover soon!").

The delegation included representatives from the Presidential Board, the School of Medicine, the Groningen partners and the network of teaching doctors, as well as Oldenburg's Lord Mayor, the managing directors of Oldenburg's hospitals, the Chairman of the University Council, Prof Dr Reto Weiler and Dr Gerd Pommer as supporters from the very beginning - and of course students! Photos: Mohssen Assanimoghaddam/University of Oldenburg