­New Year's greetings from the Dean

Dear members of the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering,

I hope you all had a relaxing festive season and a successful start to the new year.
There is a wonderful saying from Erich Kästner that is fitting for the turn of the year:

"Will it get better? Will it get worse? You ask every year. Let's be honest: Life is always life-threatening!"

These words reflect the seriousness of life on the one hand, but also, in a humorous way, the wink that reminds us that we can go through life with a smile despite everything.

As members of the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering, we are often confronted with demanding tasks and complex challenges. But in these moments, we must not forget that humour is also an important companion on our journey. We should approach tasks with joy, no matter how difficult they may seem. Humour allows us to see things from a different perspective, encourages creativity and strengthens team spirit. If you can laugh at yourself, you stay healthy.

We certainly have many and very different tasks and resolutions for 2024, but a common concern of our faculty for 2024 will definitely be the continuation of our strategy process. What we have achieved so far is a very good basis.

The work we do in teaching, research and transfer is not only important for us personally, but also for society as a whole. Our innovations in the field of mechanical engineering help to make the world a little bit better and solve problems. Despite the seriousness of our work, it is important that we do not lose sight of the fun side of things.

Of course, we must not close our eyes to the problems in our world. I am sure that there are very different points of view and approaches to solutions in our faculty. We need to communicate our opinions. It is important that we respect different opinions and are prepared to discuss them openly. At a time when diversity and freedom of expression are invaluable, we need to create an atmosphere of trust in which everyone can feel respected.

So let's start the new year together, full of courage and joy in our work. May humour accompany us when things get difficult and may we always see the opportunity to master life with a smile despite all the risks.
May it be a peaceful year! Let us contribute to this with our ideas, projects, contacts and opinions.

I wish you all a successful, healthy and humorous 2024!

Michael Beckmann

January 2024