This year, the Oldenburg University Society (UGO) celebrated its 50th anniversary. In this interview, Chair Werner Brinker talks about milestones, future tasks and new events.
The UGO turned 50 this year. How have the goals and tasks changed since the organisation was founded?
The tasks in the founding phase were completely different to today, when we are talking about an established medium-sized university. During the start-up phase, strong political support was needed to make it clear in Hanover how important it was to have our own university here in the north-west. That's why it was extremely important to get massive support for this initiative from the region and the business community. Today, the aim is to maintain the bridge between the university and the region.
What special personalities have shaped the history of UGO?
In the founding phase, Hans-Arnold Simon strongly supported the university in raising the necessary funds. Later, Gerhard Wachsmann, as Chair of the UGO, was also very politically active in helping the delicate little plant that was the University of Oldenburg to grow into a tree. Peter Waskönig later ensured that the UGO positioned itself more strongly in the wider public sphere through ambassadors who are active throughout the Weser-Ems region. Of course, there are other personalities who have been heavily involved. But I think the highlights lie in the first 20 or 25 years.
What have been the most important milestones of your time in office so far?
I've been in office for just under six years, which is not that long. A good idea was born in the very first conversation with the former university president Hans Michael Piper, which ultimately led to the AUFTAKT event. It was important to me to award the UGO prizes for excellent research and outstanding doctorates as part of a larger event in order to emphasise the importance of excellent research in our society. Initially, there were doubts as to whether we would be able to fill the Audimax, but then everything was fully booked within a week. The event is a huge success, a real highlight.
What tasks will the UGO have in the future?
The most important question is: how can we get younger people to join the UGO and get involved? After all, the UGO thrives on voluntary work. We currently have a very high average age. That's why it's extremely important to appeal to people with high-quality events.
Which formats are primarily aimed at younger people?
Primarily "Sound of Science" and the "Oldenburg Climate Days", which took place for the first time this year. We celebrated a double anniversary with this event, namely 50 years of UGO and 40 years of laying the foundation stone for the Energy Lab. The idea is to use this as the starting point for a regular series of events, which will then also be aimed more at the younger generation.
And "Sound of Science"?
This is a moderated discussion framed by live music from students at our university. The discussions centre on current topics such as sustainability, nutrition or, most recently, the energy crisis. We deliberately chose the Oldenburg coworking space Core as the venue because it has an atmosphere in which younger people feel comfortable. Attendance has steadily increased since the first event in November 2021.
What is your motivation for getting involved as UGO Chair?
That's relatively easy to answer, although I don't want to relate it solely to the UGO. About 50 years ago, on an excursion during my studies, my professor and later doctoral supervisor said at the end of a long discussion: "When you retire and look back, you have to be able to say one thing: I've done something for society." That was the motto for me. After all, you have contributed something to society. For me, it was a privilege to be able to study and practically not have to pay any money for it. I now have 150 years of voluntary work under my belt, if I add up all my terms of office.
Does the UGO play a special role in this?
I actually have a vested interest in the job of UGO Chair. It motivates me to deal with complex topics more intensively, for example in preparation for an event. A discussion with our Nobel Prize winner Klaus von Klitzing about natural constants or with Matthias Bormuth about Karl Jaspers means intensive preparation, but I really enjoy it.
Thank you very much for the interview!
This text was first published in UNI INFO October 2022 was published. Interview: Ute Kehse
