At the traditional inauguration ceremony, Peter Riedler officially took over the rector's office from his predecessor Martin Polaschek on 10 October 2022. The current Minister of Science praised the achievements of the University of Graz and then took stock of his term in office, which was marked by the pandemic. He then presented Riedler with the sceptre and chain of office.
"Standing here fills me with gratitude, with joy and respect," the new Rector introduced his speech, in which he also introduced his "competent, experienced and international team": the Vice-Rectors Mireille van Poppel, Markus Fallenböck, Catherine Walter-Laager and Joachim Reidl.
He defined improving the position of the University of Graz in global competition and making its social relevance even more visible as two major goals of his four-year term of office. In uncertain times, it is the task of universities to put people at the centre, to convey confidence and to play a leading role in shaping the future - in accordance with the motto of the University of Graz: "We work for tomorrow".
Speakers at the ceremony were Senate President Rainer Niemann, University Council President Caroline List and Governor Christopher Drexler.
Both Niemann and List emphasised Riedler's competencies and previous achievements as a science manager. Drexler referred to the intensive cooperation of all Graz universities, which is crucial for the science and business location.