"Openness, cooperation and communication" - this is how Prof Dr Emes described the new phase that begins with her office as Rector of the Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, "accompanied by a culture of facilitation and responsibility." The economist sees it as her task "to create spaces in which TUBAF can continue to develop successfully as a true jewel - in research, teaching, transfer and cooperation. My goal is to continue TUBAF's successful path and at the same time set new priorities."

The interplay of continuity and new impetus is reflected in the new rector's internationalisation strategy: "We are a cosmopolitan, international university - and at the same time anchored in Freiberg, in the region, here in Saxony." Emes is planning to strategically strengthen internationalisation, whereby her focus is not on the quantity but on the quality of relationships. "In particular, we want to further consolidate our European University Alliance EURECA-PRO (The European University on Responsible Consumption & Production) at TUBAF and reorganise the area." Furthermore, all students and employees should have the opportunity to gain international experience.

Jutta Emes emphasises the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration within the university. She sees one goal in bundling TUBAF's diverse AI expertise in the context of energy and resource management as part of an AI hub in order to strengthen networking and visibility. Co-operations with regional and supra-regional partner institutions are just as important. "In the coming years, TUBAF should further expand its position as an internationally successful, interdisciplinary, innovative and networked resource university and play a prominent role worldwide as a leading centre of excellence for sustainable raw material extraction, the circular economy and green technologies."

The basic prerequisite for openness and cooperation is communication. She wants to strengthen the area of science communication. "We have already started to develop a new university marketing concept with a view to the major goal of attracting students. If it were better known what we do here, a lot of people would want to study here." In the face of growing scepticism towards science, she emphasised the changing challenges facing universities: "It is important to me that we at TU Bergakademie Freiberg stand up for democratic values, academic freedom, equal opportunities, diversity, tolerance and respectful cooperation."

In addition to members of the university and numerous rectors, including from international partner universities, personalities from state and regional politics, the city of Freiberg, donors and friends and supporters of TU Bergakademie Freiberg were also present at the investiture ceremony on 16 October 2025.