MCI Awards Honorary Titles to Distinguished Figures

Honorary Senator & Honorary Professorships for exemplary commitment to the Entrepreneurial School®

Martin Steinmeyer, Katherina Reiche, and Christine Oppitz-Plörer honored for their longstanding contributions to MCI | Inaugural Lecture on Europe’s energy future

With the awarding of honorary professorships and honorary senatorships, MCI honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to research, teaching, student and alumni engagement, and the development of the university, maintaining an exemplary relationship with MCI over many years.

Recently, three such valued companions of MCI were honored in a festive ceremony held at the Kaiser-Leopold Hall of the University of Innsbruck:

• Mag. Christine Oppitz-Plörer, former Mayor of the City of Innsbruck,

• Dr. Martin Steinmeyer, long-time member of the DFK, and

• Dipl.-Chem. Katherina Reiche, former State Secretary in the German Federal Government, CEO of Westenergie AG, and Chair of the MCI Advisory Board.

Prof. Dr. Claudia Mössenlechner, Deputy Head of the Academic Council, welcomed the many guests from academia, business, and politics — including former EU Commissioner Prof. h.c. Dr. Franz Fischler, former Science Councilor Mag. Annette Leja, Senator h.c. Dr. Klaus Ennemoser, MCI Supervisory Board Chairman Mag. Oswald Wolkenstein, Economics Dean and DFK Chairman Prof. Dr. Markus Walzl, former European President of McKinsey Dr. Herbert Henzler, and media entrepreneur Dr. Wolfram Weimer.

In honor of her long and dedicated support, the Head of the MCI Academic Council, Prof. Dr. Franz Pegger, delivered a light-hearted tribute to former Innsbruck Mayor Mag. Christine Oppitz-Plörer:
"Much of what defines MCI today would not have been possible without Christine Oppitz-Plörer’s contribution. As a member of various corporate governance bodies at MCI, as city councilor, deputy mayor, and later mayor of our university city, she was a strong backbone of the scientific and educational landscape in Innsbruck and a powerful driver in the development of MCI."

Honorary Senator Oppitz-Plörer expressed in her heartfelt thanks: "Please continue to stay closely connected to MCI. We are in the midst of important developments and key decisions regarding the future of the Entrepreneurial School®. This requires strong supporters and passionate advocates who understand the vital importance of MCI for education, science, and business in the heart of the Alps."

With the honorary professorship for Senator h.c. Dr. Martin Steinmeyer, MCI recognizes a long-standing and dedicated supporter of Innsbruck’s academic and scientific community. In his laudation, MCI Rector Prof. Dr. Andreas Altmann highlighted Steinmeyer’s impressive entrepreneurial achievements as well as his broad social, cultural, and scientific engagement — including generous financial support for the DFK student awards, the Clemens-August-Andreae Prize of the Innsbruck universities, cancer research at the Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, and entrepreneurial initiatives of young people at MCI.

"Your valuable insights shared in lectures and panel discussions, your extensive network, and your exemplary support have enabled meaningful initiatives, left a lasting impact, and continue to bear fruit — from innovative awards for young entrepreneurs to scientific discoveries that benefit humanity," said Altmann. In his remarks, Steinmeyer reflected on his fond and formative time as a student in Innsbruck:
"Several times, an academic career passed me by. Now, on my third attempt, I seem to have made it — and receive a professorship from an internationally renowned university. I consider this award a great honor. My connection to Innsbruck and the DFK will accompany me throughout my life."

Former State Secretary Dipl.-Chem. Katherina Reiche was also awarded an honorary professorship for her longstanding, exemplary support of the Entrepreneurial School®, her active lecturing, her role as a facilitator, bridge-builder, and mentor, and her outstanding commitment as Chair of the MCI Advisory Board.

Rector Altmann honored her many years of exceptional involvement: "On behalf of MCI and our academic community of researchers, teachers, and learners, I thank you for your tireless, selfless, and courageous commitment to science, education, societal engagement, and MCI’s international networking. Even during your extremely demanding time in politics, you were always available and supportive of MCI."

Reiche expressed her gratitude, emphasizing: "I see this award as both an honor and a commitment to continue supporting the university actively. With its entrepreneurial, international, and interdisciplinary approach, MCI is the right place to tackle the complex challenges of our time."

In her subsequent inaugural lecture titled “Energy: Secure. Clean. Affordable. – Achievable?” Prof. h.c. Katherina Reiche offered a content-rich overview of the many challenges of the European energy transition. She analyzed various tensions and the gap between European ambitions and global realities. Ultimately, she emphasized the importance of interdisciplinarity: "For the energy transition to succeed, we need bold scientific impulses and close cooperation with politics and business. Only those who think beyond boundaries can build bridges. With MCI’s impressive competence and dynamism, we can make valuable contributions in this regard."