Two who already have a great deal of experience, as well as two new faces, have been at Horst Bischof’s side as the leadership team since October. Andrea Hoffmann, Vice Rector for Human Resources and Finance since 2011, was also reconfirmed in her position. Stefan Vorbach remains as Vice Rector for Academic Affairs. Also head of the Institute of General Management and Organisation, he has held this office since 2019. New members of the team are Andrea Höglinger, who is moving to TU Graz as Vice Rector for Research after decades in research management at FFG, and Michael Monsberger, Professor of Building Technology at TU Graz, as Vice Rector for Infrastructure and Sustainability.
Andrea Höglinger – Vice Rector for Research
New at TU Graz; contactable at andrea.hoeglinger@tugraz.at
Why I decided to take on the job of Vice-Rector...
I have been active in European research funding and policy for many years and in this context I have also got to know TU Graz as a strong player. When Horst Bischof asked me if I would like to become Vice Rector in his team, I didn’t hesitate for (very) long. Being able to help shape and support the fate of TU Graz in the area of research and innovation is an exciting and challenging task for me. Universities provide impetus and shape the future of all of us, and the social and economic challenges are high. I am very much looking forward to actively supporting and advancing TU Graz’s successful path in the national and European research sector.
What goals I’d like to implement in my department in the next four years...
Of course, I still have to familiarise myself with all the details, but it is important to me that TU Graz is a university with a strong profile in the regional, national and European context, from basic research to applied research and likewise in the area of knowledge and technology transfer. TU Graz is very well positioned in many areas with great scientists and top experts. Further potential lies in cooperation across disciplines and national borders. The big issues of the day need a broad interdisciplinary and international approach to research and innovation.
Where I still see potential for development...
In every large company, and that includes a university, there is a lot of potential for development; anything else would mean standing still. It is important to define the strategic goals well; these are also outlined in the 2024 development plan plus, for example. Based on this, it is important to define the right priorities at the right time and to closely involve colleagues in the faculties and corresponding organisational units.
How I motivate myself...
I don’t need much to motivate myself: a committed team, openness for new points of focus/ ideas. Every successful project proposal from researchers at TU Graz in the competitive international RTI environment also motivates me. I am happy about every personal success because I know how difficult it is.
What is important to me in my work...
Openness, transparency, commitment and singleness of purpose.
What I associate with TU Graz...
... a top university in the European research area with excellent employees.
How I like to spend my leisure time best of all...
I will take my mountain bike to Graz and swap the Vienna Woods for the Styrian hills.
What I don’t like at all...
Giving up before you’ve had a go.
My motto / maxim...
Research and innovation are key drivers for the future. As TU Graz, we make a strong contribution to the big transformation processes by intelligently linking basic and applied research and thus creating added value for society and the economy.
What I always wanted to say to the staff at TU Graz...
I have known some TU Graz staff members for many year, and some I have just recently met. In any case, I am very much looking forward to getting to know many more TU Graz colleagues personally and working together with them in the coming weeks. My door is also always open for ideas and concerns in my sphere of activity.
Stefan Vorbach – Vice Rector for Academic Affairs
Member of the leadership team at TU Graz for four years; contactable at stefan.vorbach@tugraz.at
What project I am particularly proud of in the past years...
Coping with the pandemic was challenging for teaching staff and also for the Rectorate, but I think we managed it very well. Our preliminary work on digitalisation in teaching benefited us here. Another project is Unite! Even though it is a complex project, we can draw advantages from it in many areas. We see different approaches to solutions from our project partners, can help shape them and adopt useful things. And in internal continuing education, too, a number of new programmes have been set up for teaching staff.
What goals I’d like to implement in my department in the next four years...
We want to continue to listen to the teaching staff and support them in the areas of digitalisation, the use of artificial intelligence and the development of interesting new study programme content, which will be even more important in the future. For first-year students, it is important to provide help and structure for the start of their studies; for students who are currently studying, we want to offer a good service and further improve the studyability of our study programmes. We want to provide attractive offers for graduates in the sense of lifelong learning and bring them back to TU Graz.
Where I still see potential for development...
I am convinced that the use of artificial intelligence will become even more prevalent in studies and teaching. As was the case with digitalisation, it is important to examine where and to what extent it is reasonable and helpful to use it. Over the summer, we developed a guideline for this. Artificial intelligence will have a noticeable impact on both teaching staff and students in the way we teach and learn.
How I motivate myself...
Of course I’m happy when something succeeds and problems are solved. In this respect, a sense of achievement is certainly a strong motivator. But I also draw motivation from constructive (ideally positive) feedback. If differences of opinion are dealt with in an appreciative manner, this also gives energy.
What is important to me in my work...
A fair and appreciative approach with people is important to me; to address problems and to look for solutions together as a team. I try to approach things as positively as possible and as much as possible without bias. And if something grates sometimes, then a good portion of humour helps.
What I associate with TU Graz...
... a strong education and research partner that provides important impulses for the region and beyond. Enthusiasm and passion are the ingredients for many success stories in research and teaching at TU Graz.
How I like to spend my leisure time best of all...
In my leisure time, I seek balance through sports activities with my family (hiking, cycling, skiing), or reading (preferably local crime novels).
What I don’t like at all...
Unsportsmanlike behaviour. For me, this includes unfairness, dishonesty and not being able to admit mistakes. I also dislike inefficiency, lack of transparency and arrogance. And while I’m at it, I don’t like spelt rice or buckwheat either ;-)
My motto / maxim...
"Whoever enjoys their work is capable of achieving amazing things." (Marion Countess Dönhoff)
What I always wanted to say to the staff at TU Graz...
I continue to be impressed by the performance of our employees, who have been very challenged, especially in the last three years, by Covid-19 and the advent of digitalisation, to name but two. Thank you for your commitment, especially in teaching.
Andrea Hoffmann – Vice Rector for Human Resources and Finance
Member of the leadership team at TU Graz for 12 years; contactable at vrpersonalundfinanzen@tugraz.at
What project I am particularly proud of in the past years...
I am particularly proud that despite the challenging times due to Covid-19 and high inflation, we were able to implement many projects, such as the incoming invoice workflow, rebookings and recording absences, and take a big step towards digitalisation. I am particularly pleased that with ePAS+ we can now digitally map the entire recruiting process, from personnel search to employment, and have thus achieved one of the major goals of the past years.
What goals I’d like to implement in my department in the next four years...
The focus for the next few years will be on creating a positive employer experience for our employees. Through an inclusive environment, open and transparent communication, targeted training and career development programmes and comprehensive support from onboarding to leaving, employees should gain positive experiences with TU Graz and perceive TU Graz even more as an attractive employer.
Where I still see potential for development...
My aim is to establish an open and supportive culture that encourages all people with disabilities, of whatever kind, to come forward to the Representative for People with Disabilities so that we can target individual needs. By breaking down barriers and providing targeted support, we aim to ensure that no one is excluded from full participation in academic life and professional development opportunities because of their disability.
How I motivate myself...
I have a great team that always stands by me, supports me and has also motivated me to be available to TU Graz for another Rectorate term.
What is important to me in my work...
Good cooperation, a loyal team and fun at work.
What I associate with TU Graz...
... many interesting personalities, formative moments as well as challenging situations and have done so for twelve years now. For me, TU Graz is a university with innovative power, excellent academic research and education, a diverse and committed community of employees, and a strong commitment to advancing knowledge, technology and positive social change.
How I like to spend my leisure time best of all...
With my family and in nature. I love swimming and hiking, and spending time with my grandchildren, who now number five, really clears my head.
What I don’t like at all...
I like to focus on the positive and the opportunities that present themselves. Instead of talking about what I don’t like, I prefer to invest my time in finding solutions, tackling challenges and supporting the team so that we can succeed together.
My motto / maxim...
“We cannot predict the future, but we can shape it.” (Peter Drucker)
What I always wanted to say to the staff at TU Graz...
Thank you for your support over the past twelve years and for the many wonderful encounters. I’m looking forward to continuing our great cooperation.
Michael Monsberger – Vice Rector for Infrastructure and Sustainability
New in the leadership team of TU Graz; contactable at michael.monsberger@tugraz.at
Why I decided to take on the job of Vice-Rector...
Initiatives and projects have been launched in recent years at TU Graz that aim to use knowledge and resources available at the University to make a proactive contribution as an organisation to the necessary transformation towards a sustainable future. The actual willingness to work together and the will to tackle measures together and put them into practice are extremely motivating. Such an environment offers the opportunity to shape and move things. It is a privilege to have the chance and opportunity to help shape the future of TU Graz as Vice Rector for Infrastructure and Sustainability, and I am so much looking forward to this task.
What goals I’d like to implement in my department in the next four years...
The even stronger positioning of TU Graz as a sustainable university is a fundamental objective. In this context, it is important to think of sustainability holistically. The department is to become an interface or hub for the topic of sustainability at our university. A key pillar is the Climate Neutral University project and the implementation of the measures in the Roadmap to a Climate Neutral TU Graz by 2030. Another important task is the development of the infrastructure of TU Graz and the handling of upcoming construction measures, especially in Inffeldgasse. Taking into account sustainability criteria in accordance with the roadmap is an important goal here.
Where I still see potential for development...
In recent years, the personal commitment of many people at TU Graz has emphasised many features in the field of sustainable development on a wide variety of levels. One goal is to better capture and present these many positive activities and developments and the resulting outcomes.
How I motivate myself...
Working in teams with people who share an enthusiasm for an idea or cause is very motivating for me.
What is important to me in my work...
The opportunity to take up new interesting topics, structured work and open and appreciative communication.
What I associate with TU Graz...
I studied at TU Graz and therefore already have a very long personal connection with the University. It is a place of excellent research and teaching as well as great inspiration and creativity, where one can realise goals and ideas.
How I like to spend my leisure time best of all...
My free time belongs first and foremost to my family. I especially enjoy joint activities such as skiing, swimming and excursions with my wife and two sons.
What I don’t like at all...
I am a solution-oriented person. It is very important to address problems, but I find overly lengthy discussions about problems without a solution perspective tedious.
My motto / maxim...
“Paths are made by walking.” (Franz Kafka)
What I always wanted to say to the staff at TU Graz...
TU Graz has taken a very positive path towards sustainable development. I look forward to working together and implementing exciting ideas and projects as we tread a portion of this path together.
