Dear members and friends of the School of Science,

an extraordinary year is coming to an end and honestly, I am not exactly unhappy about it. After all, the beginning of a New Year also brings the hope of better times for all our university, cultural, and private lives.

But although, we had to experience numerous hardships last year by having been abruptly exposed to new challenges and facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we can also take away many positive experiences from this time. With great team spirit, strength, commitment and loyalty, we have succeeded in maintaining, recreating and even promoting research, administration and, in particular, teaching at the School.

I would like to take this opportunity to express a very special thank you for the cooperation, your personal commitment, your support and high level of dedication over the past year. And I confidently look to the future believing that I will be able to convey this thank you once again in person at a social event next year.

Take the time over the Christmas days to get some distance, recharge your batteries and gain optimism for the New Year. Sometimes it is enough to light a candle, breathe in the fragrance and warm yourself by the glow of the flame.

We wish you and your families a peaceful and healthy holiday season and all the best for 2021!

Warm wishes,

Clemens Kirschbaum
Chairman School of Science