The Rectorate of HTWD wishes all members of the university a happy and reflective festive season and a good start to 2026.

2025 was another successful year for our university. We welcomed more than 1,400 new students in the winter semester. Our research performance remained at a consistently high level and continues to be well above the national average for universities of applied sciences. Here in Saxony, we are reliable partners to regional companies, associations and institutions. With our new sustainability strategy, we are committed to responsible development and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

HTWD has also set an important course internationally. We deepened existing partnerships, for example with the successful extension of our cooperation with the German-Mongolian University of Applied Sciences for Natural Resources and Technology (GMIT). We also made progress in digitalisation: the integration of the PitFM software and the new Campuscard simplify central processes.

However, a review of the year also includes the tasks that continue to occupy us. These include new processes and structures, a tense personnel situation, limited financial room for manoeuvre and questions regarding our strategic direction. Despite these challenges, we see a university that continues to develop under its own steam and remains open to change.

We would like to thank all members of the university for helping to shape HTWD with their commitment and enjoyment of working together. Every single person contributes to the progress of our university and the growth of our community.

The Christmas period and the days between the years offer an opportunity to pause for a moment, to calm down or to focus on things that are often neglected in everyday life. This includes personal interests, hobbies, encounters or simply moments of silence.

We wish you a relaxing festive season and a confident start to the new year. The entire Rectorate is looking forward to welcoming all university members back in 2026.

Best regards

Prof Ingo Gestring, Rector

Alexander E. Müller, Chancellor

Prof Kathrin Harre, Vice-Rector for Research, Sustainability and Transfer

Prof Andreas Franze, Vice-Rector for Teaching and Studies