Welcome to KIT

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). I am very pleased to welcome you as a new colleague. At KIT, we look back on a history of almost 200 years, which was shaped by personalities such as Friedrich Weinbrenner, Otto Lehmann, Dieter Zetsche, Carsten Spohr, and Alexander Gerst, among others. So you are in good company!

As 'The Research University in the Helmholtz Association', we develop solutions for the future questions of mankind in energy, mobility and information on a broad disciplinary basis. In this way, 22,000 students, 365 professorships and 9,300 employees make a significant contribution to the success of major projects such as the energy transition and thus to social benefit, economic prosperity and the preservation of our natural foundations of life.

You are coming to a unique institution in the German science system and at an exciting time. In the tenth year after the merger into KIT, we have again been awarded the title of University of Excellence. This motivates all of us to further advance our achievements in research, teaching, and innovation through special agility together with our cooperation partners. Our goals include being among the TOP 7 technical universities in Europe, offering one of the most attractive study locations, and being an innovation leader in the German science system.

The backbone of KIT is a clear governance which, with a transparent and unambiguous regulatory and action framework, enables the responsible management of KIT at all levels (presidium, department heads, appointed professors, and appointed institute heads).

In the initial phase, however, it is not easy to get an overview of such a complex institution as KIT and its work processes. In order to facilitate your start at your new place of work, the Appointment Procedures Department in the Executive Office and Strategy business unit (STS) will be pleased to assist you at any time. In addition to general information, the following web pages will provide you with answers to many questions as well as an overview of contact persons who can help you.

I wish you a good start at KIT and hope that you will settle in well in your new sphere of activity, both professionally and privately.


Your
Professor Dr. Oliver Kraft,
Acting President of KIT