Mr Spielbauer, you have been Chancellor of OTH Regensburg for around seven months. What does a typical day actually look like for you?

Utto Spielbauer: “When you think of a Chancellor, the first things that probably spring to mind are figures, budgets and administration. That’s certainly true. In reality, however, the main focus is on working with staff to create the right framework so that teaching, research and knowledge transfer have the best possible conditions, and to further develop our campus. My day-to-day work therefore consists of many discussions, consultations and decisions. Fortunately, there are many people working at OTH Regensburg who are experts in their respective fields.”

Which encounter or conversation at OTH Regensburg has particularly stuck in your memory during your first few months?

Utto Spielbauer: “What has particularly stayed with me is the openness and support I’ve experienced right from the start. There’s a great atmosphere, from the academic staff through to the staff and the student representatives. That’s something that sets us apart as OTH Regensburg. With more than 11,000 students and 1,000 staff, OTH Regensburg is like a small town. Despite its size, I consider personal contact and direct dialogue to be particularly valuable.”

If OTH Regensburg is a town, who is the mayor? You or the President?

Utto Spielbauer: “In this analogy, the mayor would clearly be the President. My role is more akin to that of the head of the city administration: I share responsibility for ensuring that the structures function properly and that the university can fulfil its tasks as effectively as possible.”

Where do you currently see the greatest opportunities for OTH Regensburg?

Utto Spielbauer: “For me, one of the greatest opportunities clearly lies in digitalisation and artificial intelligence. It affects almost every area of the university: study programmes, teaching, research and administration. This is not just about technical solutions, but equally about the skills that students and staff will need in the future. We are working intensively on how, for example, we can make sensible use of artificial intelligence step by step. It is important that this is done in a legally compliant manner and offers genuine added value. I see another major opportunity in our profile as a university of applied sciences. We are closely networked with businesses, institutions and societal stakeholders. This enables us to apply our knowledge directly in practice and develop solutions together. Last but not least, the openness of our university community sets us apart. The international and cultural diversity amongst all members of the university community is, in my view, a great asset and an important prerequisite for innovation."

Universities are under considerable financial pressure. Has the budget actually shrunk?

Utto Spielbauer: “ The budget hasn’t fallen straight away. At the same time, operating and maintenance costs are rising, whilst new tasks are being added. This is narrowing our financial and staffing margins.”

What else is on your mind?

Utto Spielbauer: “I’m particularly concerned with how we can continue to develop our campus in a way that keeps it attractive and climate-resilient in the long term. At the Prüfening site, there’s currently a great collaboration between the Faculty of Architecture and the administration on the refurbishment of a roof and a façade. I’m also looking forward to the opening of the Johannes Kepler Building of International Services, which will be ready for occupation in spring 2027. This will give us a further boost in terms of internationalisation and learning opportunities for students.”

Final question: Which preconception about administration would you like to dispel once and for all?

Utto Spielbauer: “The idea that administration is sluggish and boring is a misconception. Every day, I see dedicated colleagues who solve problems, facilitate progress and actively help shape our university. I find administration to be dynamic, solution-oriented and extremely varied.”