Rudolf Mallinger honoured at retirement ceremony – Karl Landsteiner University pays tribute to founding rector
A ceremony was held at Karl Landsteiner University to honour the retirement of its founding rector, Prof. Rudolf Mallinger. In recognition of his services, the university's auditorium was named after the successful higher education expert.
Krems, 22 January 2026 – Distinguished guests of honour such as Deputy Governor Dr Stephan Pernkopf, representing Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, former Governor Dr Erwin Pröll and Rector-designate Prof. Andrea Olschewski, as well as numerous representatives from the fields of science, politics and healthcare attended the event. Four long-standing partners of the university also took part in a discussion on stage: Univ.-Prof. DI Dr. Sabine Seidler (former Rector of TU Wien), Univ.-Prof. Dr. Hedwig Kaiser (University of Basel), Prof. Dr. Eugen Hug (MedAustron) and Dr. med. Elisabeth Bräutigam, MBA (Lower Austrian Provincial Health Agency). ORF Lower Austria presenter Ursula Pucher guided the audience through the programme.
The afternoon focused on honouring an extraordinary achievement: for 14 years, Rudolf Mallinger shaped the development of KL Krems as its founding rector, based on a vision of former Governor Erwin Pröll. What began as a forward-looking educational project is now a modern, clearly profiled university for medicine and psychology with almost 950 students, 250 employees and growing international visibility.
Education for the state – investment in the future
In a stage interview with presenter Ursula Pucher, Deputy Governor Dr Stephan Pernkopf emphasised: "Erwin Pröll's vision was implemented by Rudi Mallinger with great foresight. Today, Karl Landsteiner University is a flagship for Lower Austria as a centre of education and research. Since its foundation, 370 medical professionals have successfully completed their studies – an important contribution to healthcare. It is precisely such investments that are gradually bringing Lower Austria back to the top: with knowledge, responsibility and strong regional jobs."
Partners and companions in conversation
In a high-calibre panel discussion, Univ.-Prof. DI Dr. Sabine Seidler (TU Vienna), Univ.-Prof. Dr. Hedwig Kaiser (University of Basel), Senior Physician Dr Elisabeth Bräutigam (Lower Austrian Health Agency) and Prof. Dr Eugen Hug (MedAustron) discussed their joint work with the founding rector.
Bräutigam emphasised the central role of Karl Landsteiner University in clinical training in Lower Austria: ‘The cooperation with the university hospitals in Krems, Tulln and St. Pölten was a milestone for medical education. Today, research and teaching are approached from an interprofessional perspective – as is also the case at our hospitals.’
Seidler saw the integration of artificial intelligence as one of the great challenges of the future: ‘Quality assurance and further development of teaching must keep pace with new technologies. KL University has a solid foundation for this and has integrated important technical aspects into its medical studies in a pioneering achievement.’
Hug emphasised the value of university links for specialised institutions such as MedAustron: "The partnership with KL was a logical consequence. Together, we can further develop research and teaching at the highest level. This is reflected, among other things, in the joint professorships."
Personal words, reflections and thanks
A highlight of the afternoon was the laudatory speech by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schütz, former Rector of MedUni Vienna, KL University Council Chairman and Mallingers' long-time companion. With a mixture of humour and appreciation, he traced the career of a ‘self-starter’ who completed his medical studies in ten semesters, accompanied central reforms in medical education – and finally made his mark in academia with the founding of Karl Landsteiner University.
In his farewell speech, Mallinger expressed his gratitude for the trust and support he had received over the years: ‘KL is the work of many. My sincere thanks go to all those who believed in this idea and supported it.’
Vice-Rector Mag. Sabine Siegl-Amerer put it this way in her closing remarks: ‘With vision, courage and attitude, Rudolf Mallinger helped shape the DNA of this university – and gave it the openness to break new ground.’
In recognition of his services to the planning and development of Karl Landsteiner University, the KL auditorium was dedicated to founding rector Mallinger. Deputy Governor Pernkopf and Vice-Rector Siegl-Amerer presented the
Looking ahead: New management from February
In February 2026, Univ.-Prof. DDr. Andrea Olschewski, MSc, will take over as head of the university. As a specialist in anaesthesia with successful research work in the field of translational lung medicine and many years of expertise in university management and science management, she brings with her extensive experience in research, teaching and clinical practice.
The afternoon ended on a musical note with Duo Vivo and a reception – and with a feeling of great gratitude for an era that has had a decisive impact on Lower Austria's higher education landscape.
Photos of the ceremony:
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The photo material is available for download free of charge. Publication is permitted exclusively in connection with reporting in the context of the above-mentioned press release or Karl Landsteiner University. When publishing, please cite ‘KL’ and the named author of the photo material as the source.
Enquiries & contact
Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences
Eva Maria Gruber
Head of Communications, PR & Marketing
Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30
3500 Krems / Austria
T +43 2732 72090 231
M +43 664 505 62 11
E evamaria.gruber@kl.ac.at
W https://www.kl.ac.at
