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© TUD

​Interview with Dirk Hilbert, 1st Mayor of the city of Dresden

TU Dresden: Did you have to think very long whether to be involved in the campaign?

Dirk Hilbert: Not at all. It is an extremely pleasant task to promote TU Dresden. TU Dresden has a very special significance for Dresden. This beacon of science has made a decisive contribution to the reputation of our city and is tremendously important for further economic development.

TU Dresden: What role does the university play in the city and for the city?

Dirk Hilbert: The university is one of the city's most important employers. It is also the most important research centre and hub in the network of all the city's research institutions. And last but not least, it is the most important training and education centre of our city. Some 36,000 young people study at TU Dresden.

TU Dresden: What significance would the seal of excellence for the university have for the whole area?

Dirk Hilbert: I believe we will all benefit if TU Dresden becomes a university of excellence. A success of that nature would lead to even greater visibility for the entire city and, for example, to more firms attracting scientists and well-educated specialists to Dresden. That would be an incredible boost for the city and for the entire region.

TU Dresden: Why, in your view, should every Dresdner support TU Dresden’s application to become a university of excellence?

Dirk Hilbert: A large number of workplaces depend on TU Dresden, not only those directly available in research and teaching at the university, but also many peripheral jobs, in trade, tourism and in many other areas. An attractive university is attractive for the whole of our city. It will enable us to attract experts and investors from all over the world. Dresden's visibility would be enhanced even further with a university of excellence.

Interview by Claudia Vojta, July 2011

Dirk Hilbert "Knowledge creates Growth" - Download (4,3 MB)