At its annual meeting on 11 December, the Board of Trustees of the Horst Görtz Institute for IT Security (HGI) at Ruhr University Bochum reviewed the Institute’s current developments and announced several personnel changes in the composition of the Board. Comprising senior representatives from academia, industry, public administration, and politics, the Advisory Board plays a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction of the HGI and in driving the sustainable development of both the Institute and the Bochum research hub.
The Board welcomed four new members:
Thomas Caspers, Vice President of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI);
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Martin Paul, Rector of Ruhr University Bochum;
Dr. Sebastian Jester, Senior Government Director for “Communication Technologies and Cybersecurity; CISPA” at the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space Affairs; and
Jörg Lukat, Lord Mayor of the City of Bochum.
Lord Mayor Jörg Lukat highlighted the Institute’s importance for the city’s development:
“The Horst Görtz Institute at Ruhr University Bochum was the nucleus and is the guarantor of success for the globally unique IT security ecosystem in Bochum. I am pleased to contribute, as Lord Mayor, to further strengthening the local conditions that enable this success.”
BSI Vice President Thomas Caspers emphasized the HGI’s standing in the German cybersecurity landscape:
“With its remarkably broad expertise, vibrant start-up ecosystem and internationally leading research, Bochum is making decisive contributions to shaping Germany as a cybernation. I am delighted to join the HGI Advisory Board and support its long-term innovative capacity.”
Rector Prof. Dr. Martin Paul likewise underscored the Institute’s strategic role. Since its founding in 2002, the HGI has been “a cornerstone of the research strength and international visibility of Ruhr University,” he noted, adding that the Board’s work is essential for further enhancing scientific excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
The meeting also marked the departure of two longstanding members:
Thomas Eiskirch, former Lord Mayor of the City of Bochum, and
Dr. Gerhard Schabhüser, former Vice President of the BSI.
Both have supported the Institute’s development over many years with outstanding expertise and personal commitment. The HGI expressed its sincere gratitude for their invaluable contributions and longstanding support.
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