Opening Doors, Shaping the Future: Dr. Roy Kühne Takes the Chair of HIU's Board of Trustees

With the upcoming start of the summer semester in HIU's new building, a new chapter begins – one that can be understood as both a physical and intellectual fresh start. The appointment of the new Board of Trustees chair falls into this phase of renewal: Dr. Roy Kühne, an experienced health policy expert, now takes on this central role.

As a former member of the German Bundestag and a recognized expert in physiotherapy and medical devices, Dr. Kühne brings precisely the professional perspective that is crucial for modern, practice-oriented university development. In this interview, he discusses his goals, priorities, and how the Board of Trustees can support and strengthen the university going forward.

"First, I would like to expressly thank the previous Board of Trustees under Dr. Bergmann-Pohl for its dedicated and reliable work – especially during times that posed particular challenges for universities and social education institutions. We can now build on this foundation and set new impulses.

I am very much looking forward to working with the President, Prof. Hartinger, and the entire HIU team. Together, we want to strategically develop the university and further strengthen its position in the academic landscape."

On profile development: "HIU has a clear profile in health and social sciences – particularly in training for therapeutic professions. I want to further expand this profile and anchor it more firmly in academic life. The university should be visible as a scientifically grounded, practice-oriented, and socially relevant educational institution.

The newly constituted Board of Trustees, which once again includes distinguished experts from politics and business, can provide important impulses. This diversity of experience enables us to recognize trends early, reflect societal needs, and support the university's strategic development in a targeted manner."

On innovation: "I see great opportunities in the further development of digitally supported teaching formats, interprofessional training models, and practice-oriented research on current societal challenges – for example in the areas of mental health, demographic change, and healthcare innovation.

The Board of Trustees can support these innovation processes by opening networks, facilitating collaborations with partners from practice, politics, and business, and providing expert guidance on strategic decisions."

On public visibility: "HIU should become even more visible in the future – regionally, nationally, and among professional audiences. We want to communicate the high quality of our programs, the relevance of our research, and the commitment of our faculty more clearly. Targeted public relations and a more modern digital presence will help position the university as an important partner in health and social services.

Together with the new Board of Trustees, we will consistently develop the university's public profile."

With the start of the summer semester 2026 in the new Building 2 on the Health Campus at ukb, this fresh start becomes visibly real. The doors are symbolically open for new paths, perspectives, and partnerships.