On February 27th, Prof. Wolfgang A. Herrmann, President Emeritus of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), attended the 243rd Master Distinguished Lecture at the Minhang Campus and delivered an insightful lecture titled University Today: International, Interdisciplinary, Entrepreneurial. The event attracted a large number of faculty members and students from the university, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
Prof. Weidong LIU, Vice President of SJTU, extended a warm welcome to Prof. Herrmann and introduced Prof. Herrmann’s outstanding contributions in the fields of chemistry and educational reform, as well as the numerous international awards he has received, including the Leibniz Prize, the Max Planck Research Award, and the Bavarian Maximilian Order for Science and Art.
Prof. Herrmann provided an in-depth analysis of the development direction of modern higher education institutions in the context of globalization and technological innovation. Drawing on the practical achievements of TUM, he emphasized that internationalization, interdisciplinary integration, and entrepreneurship are the three pillars guiding the future of universities. He pointed out that internationalization has been a fundamental part of TUM since its founding in 1868. As one of Europe’s top “Universities of Excellence,” TUM has established a global network of collaborations, with its Singapore campus, TUM Asia, serving as a model for European universities expanding into Asia. Currently, international students make up 40% of TUM’s student body, and this multicultural environment injects vitality into academic exchange and innovation. “Universities must transcend geographical boundaries and become hubs for global knowledge sharing and talent development,” Prof. Herrmann emphasized. Regarding interdisciplinary integration, TUM has been committed to breaking down traditional disciplinary barriers since its selection for Germany’s “Excellence Initiative” in 2006. He cited the university’s joint research in fields such as sustainable energy and artificial intelligence as examples of how interdisciplinary education drives disruptive innovation. “Future scientists and engineers must possess multidimensional thinking to address systemic challenges such as climate change and digital transformation,” he noted. TUM has established interdisciplinary courses and joint laboratories to create open and collaborative platforms for students and researchers. As one of Europe’s most entrepreneurial universities, TUM incubates approximately 100 spin-off companies annually, including several “decacorns” valued at over $10 billion. Prof. Herrmann believes that universities should serve as engines of technology transfer: “Entrepreneurship is not just about economic benefits; it is a bridge that connects academic achievements to societal needs.” Through initiatives such as venture funds, mentorship programs, and industry partnerships, TUM systematically supports faculty and students in transforming research outcomes into practical applications, contributing to technological and economic development in Germany and beyond. In concluding his lecture, Prof. Herrmann called on global higher education institutions to embrace openness, collaboration, and innovation as core principles to redefine the mission of universities. The practices of TUM demonstrate that only by deeply integrating international perspectives, interdisciplinary capabilities, and entrepreneurial spirit can universities continue to lead scientific progress and societal development in the 21st century.
Following the lecture, Prof. Weidong LIU, on behalf of SJTU, presented Prof. Herrmann with a commemorative gift and expressed heartfelt gratitude for his insightful and inspiring presentation. The event concluded amidst warm applause, marking a successful and memorable occasion.
视频链接:https://v.sjtu.edu.cn/jy-application-resmgr-ui/#/playDetail?id=13820
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