Text: Katja Bär
Professor Kaschke, you are returning to your »alma mater« as Chair of the Friends’ Association. What comes to mind when you think of the University of Jena today?
Above all, gratitude—and memories of a formative time. Jena is a university with a rich history and, for me personally, something very special. I have come to know many universities during my career, but Jena holds a special place in my heart. When I studied physics here I had some outstanding teachers—such as Max Schubert, Bernd Wilhelmi and Ernst Schmutzer. Their books remain standard works to this day. As a student, you don’t fully appreciate this at the time, but looking back, you recognize the exceptional quality of the teaching. And I greatly appreciated the openness of a university that covers all disciplines: alongside physics, I also took courses in English studies, physical chemistry and art history. This breadth of subjects and the fact that everything is within easy walking distance are things I still remember vividly today.
How did you come to Jena?
I went to school in Dresden and made a conscious decision to come to Jena. Back then, I was strongly influenced by student magazines from Jena—»alpha« and »puls 68«. They were published every two months. I read every issue, later got involved in the magazine myself while studying in Jena and eventually took over as editor-in-chief. It was through this work that I met my wife.
Are there any places in Jena that hold special memories for you?
Yes, several. The Rosensäle, then still a library, were a place where I often worked and found great tranquillity. And, of course, Lecture Theatre 1 in the Physics Department: that’s where I attended my first lectures and later gave some myself. And last but not least, the Bauhaus canteen—another place that brings back memories of everyday student life.
People are best motivated by compelling ideas—in business just as much as in universities.
Michael Kaschke
You spent many years at the helm of ZEISS, an international company. How does leadership in the business world differ from leadership in an academic context?
I was not only CEO of ZEISS, but also a member of the University Council of Jena, Chair of the Supervisory Board at KIT—Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, a member of the German Science and Humanities Council and most recently President of the Stifterverband. From these perspectives, I would say: I see fewer differences than is often claimed. Of course, a company must first and foremost be profitable in order to be able to pursue other goals. But both companies and universities should strive for excellence: companies develop cutting-edge products, while universities produce excellent graduates and carry out top-level research. And the same applies to both: people are best motivated by ideas, visions and compelling concepts.
What role does the link between academia and industry play in a place like Jena?
I believe that Jena has one of the strongest links of its kind in Germany, though that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. I see potential, for example, in terms of staff mobility: researchers working in companies for a time, and vice versa. Elsewhere, they’re already further ahead in this respect.
What motivated you to take on the role of Chair of the Friends’ Association?
For me, it was a desire to give something back. I owe a great deal to the University of Jena. I have three main objectives in taking on the role: Firstly, I would like to offer inspiration—and perhaps also serve as a role model. Secondly, I would like to draw on my networks to raise the University’s profile. And thirdly, excellence is important to me: performance and quality should be placed even more firmly centre stage.
What role can alumni play for their university?
Many who have studied here feel a strong connection to their university and would like to give something back. How they choose to do so is a personal decision. However, the university and its Friends’ Association can offer opportunities.
What potential do you see for the Friends’ Association?
For me, the idea of civic engagement is central. Alumni and members of the university can achieve a great deal together. It is not just about additional funding. More importantly, it is about creating scope: fostering new ideas, supporting innovative projects and opening up opportunities.
What message would you give to students today?
Studying at university is a great privilege. You really should make the most of the chance to grasp the bigger picture and discover new things for yourself. A teacher once said to me: »In primary school, you learn to read and write. At secondary school, you learn how to learn.« At university, you learn everything you can learn. After that, lifelong learning begins. That is why I advise: don’t specialize too early, but make the most of the breadth of subjects on offer. This is precisely where a university like Jena is particularly strong.
