University of Bamberg - History

History

The University of Bamberg was founded in 1647 under the name Academia Bambergensis by Prince-Bishop Melchior Otto Voit von Salzburg and was enlarged in the following century, particularly through the work of Prince-Bishop Friedrich Carl von Schönborn, to attain the status of a full university, including departments of theology, philosophy, law and medicine.

In 1803 the university was closed during the course of the secularization of the diocese. However, Catholic theology could still be studied, thus, the traditional role as university was never actually interrupted.

In 1972 the College for Philosophy and Theology, which was founded in 1923 and was modeled on the tradition of the old university, was combined with the Teachers Training College (established in 1958) to become the Gesamthochschule of Bamberg (i.e. a University and a University of Applied Sciences combined in one institution). In 1979 it was re-designated, having earned the title of University. As all German universities the University of Bamberg is designed as a B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. granting institution of higher learning as well as a research university.

The name Otto-Friedrich University was chosen in reference to the founder, Melchior Otto Veit von Salzburg, and to the important patron Friedrich Carl von Schönborn, both bishops of Bamberg. Rectors and Presidents since the re-founding of the university:

• Prof. Othmar Heggelbacher, Ph.D.; and Prof. Elisabeth Roth, Ph.D.: 1972-1973 (Joint Rectors);
• Prof. Elisabeth Roth, Ph.D.: 1973-1976;
• Prof. Siegfried Oppolzer, Ph.D.: 1976-1992;
• Prof. Alfred E. Hierold, Ph.D.: 1992-2000;
• Prof. Godehard Ruppert, Ph.D.: since 2000.