Prof. Dr. Heinz-Dieter Quack will become the Vice President for Research, Development and Technology Transfer at Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences on 15th of May 2023. He thus takes over the area of responsibility from Prof. Dr. Gert Bikker, who previously took this position in 2014.

Prof. Dr. Heinz-Dieter Quack.

Photo: C. Bierwagen

In an interview with the Ostfalia editorial team, Prof. Dr. Heinz-Dieter Quack explains what goals he has set himself for the coming years as Vice President and what is important to him personally.

Ostfalia Editorial:

You have been Professor of General Business Management, in particular Destination Management, at Ostfalia since 2001. From 2011 to 2023, you were Dean of the Faculty of Transport, Sport, Tourism and Media at the Salzgitter Campus. What motivated you to run for Vice President for Research, Development and Technology Transfer?

Prof. Dr. Heinz-Dieter Quack:

To this day, I am always impressed and, in the best sense, surprised by the variety and quality of the disciplines represented at our university and the achievements of the researchers. I consider it an honour to be able to contribute to the further development of our Ostfalia research sector.

Ostfalia Editorial:

As part of your candidacy, you defined your current task as motivating the members of the university who conduct research and those who are interested. Additionally you want to support them on their way to more research and science communication. What does that mean for you exactly and what measures or special challenges are associated with this?

Prof. Dr. Heinz-Dieter Quack:

I see my task as a service to researchers and those interested in research. It is about taking the respective research cultures of each discipline into account and creating spaces for better research opportunities together.

Ostfalia Editorial:

In its draft resolution for the election of the new Vice President the Council of Ostfalia emphasised above all your leadership skills, your successful networking and your research experience. What else should university members and external parties expect in their personal contact with you?

Prof. Dr. Heinz-Dieter Quack:

That almost sounds like a threat. Seriously, my wish is it to create the best possible conditions for all those interested in research and those involved in research at our university. That can't be done overnight, and it can only be done together.

You can read more about the new Vice President Prof. Dr. Heinz-Dieter Quack in the press release. (in German)