Heribert Warzecha will become the new President of the University of Würzburg. The biotechnologist is moving from TU Darmstadt to Würzburg. He is already very familiar with JMU, having completed his habilitation here in 2007.
Prof. Dr. Heribert Warzecha will become the new President of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU). On Monday, 9 November 2026, the University Council elected him to succeed Paul Pauli, who has held the position since 2021. Pauli's term of office ends on 31 March 2027, and Warzecha will take over the following day.
About Heribert Warzecha
Heribert Warzecha is a pharmacist, botanist, and plant biotechnologist. Since 2007, he has been Professor of Botany (Plant Biotechnology and Metabolic Engineering) at the Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt). In 2020, he joined the university's Executive Board as Vice-President for Academic Affairs.
Born in Wiesbaden in 1968, Warzecha studied pharmacy at the University of Mainz from 1989 to 1993 and obtained his licence to practise as a pharmacist in 1994. Between 1995 and 1997, he completed his doctorate at the Chair of Pharmaceutical Biology at the University of Mainz, researching the secondary metabolism of a medicinal plant. Following a two-year research stay in the United States, he worked as a research assistant at the Chair of Pharmaceutical Biology at the University of Würzburg from 2001 to 2007 and completed his habilitation at the Julius von Sachs Institute of Biosciences. In 2019, Warzecha was awarded an honorary doctorate by Örebro University in Sweden.
Despite his position at TU Darmstadt, Warzecha has also played an active role in shaping developments at the University of Würzburg over the past year: Since 2026, he has been an external member of JMU's Presidential Commission for Quality in Teaching and Learning.
Building on JMU's strengths and raising its profile together
Heribert Warzecha believes that Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg is excellently positioned in research, teaching, and knowledge transfer, while also having considerable potential for the future. He sees the task ahead as working with all members of the university and non-university research institutions to make even greater use of this potential and raise JMU's profile beyond the region.
An important foundation for this work is the development processes initiated in preparation for the Excellence Strategy. Although JMU's application was unsuccessful in the current round of the competition, Warzecha believes it is now essential to build on the momentum generated during the application process and consistently pursue the strategic development already underway.
Among his priorities are expanding existing research collaborations and strengthening new initiatives across all areas of the university's activities. The aim is to further enhance JMU's academic performance, use excellent research to find answers to tomorrow's questions, and promote the transfer of knowledge to society and industry.
The continued development of teaching is equally important to him. JMU should provide its students with a modern, future-oriented education that equips them to shape the response to the challenges of an increasingly rapidly changing world.
Congratulations from the Bavarian Minister of Science
Bavarian Minister of Science Markus Blume congratulated the future President of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg and expressed his gratitude to the incumbent President:
"Congratulations to Prof. Dr. Heribert Warzecha on his election as President of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg! With him, Alma Julia gains a distinguished scientist and experienced academic leader who combines scientific excellence with strategic leadership. Having previously worked as a researcher in Würzburg, he knows the university and its strengths. At the same time, his role as Vice-President of TU Darmstadt has given him valuable experience in university governance and the Excellence Strategy, as well as a fresh outside perspective that will benefit JMU. These are excellent foundations for taking JMU forward! I look forward to working with him: Welcome back to Würzburg! And my heartfelt thanks to Prof. Dr. Paul Pauli. He has steered JMU with a steady hand through an exciting and important period."
Election by the University Council
In accordance with Article 31 of the Bavarian Higher Education Innovation Act, the University President is elected by the 20 voting members of the University Council. These comprise ten external representatives from academia, business, and professional practice, as well as the ten elected members of the University Senate.
The current University Council is chaired by Margret Wintermantel, former President of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Its Deputy Chair is Andrea Szczesny, Chair of Business Administration, particularly Management Accounting and Control, and Chair of the JMU Senate.
President Pauli aims to support JMU's continued development
The incumbent President has decided not to pursue his previously stated willingness to remain in office for a further three years.
In view of the particular challenges and strategic decisions facing JMU on its path towards becoming a University of Excellence, Pauli had expressed his willingness to take on responsibility for another, shorter term of office, despite approaching the statutory retirement age. His primary aim was to ensure continuity and stability during an important phase for the university.
However, following JMU's unsuccessful bid for the title of University of Excellence, the University Council reassessed the strategic objectives for the university's future development. Pauli therefore decided to withdraw his willingness to serve a further shortened term.
This decision does not affect his commitment to JMU and its continued development. Pauli wishes his successor every success and sound judgement in leading the university from April 2027. His decision to step aside reflects his desire to support JMU's successful development as effectively as possible, even beyond his own term of office.
