29 February 2024 | Münster
The Science-to-Business Marketing Research Centre at our university focuses on the interactions between science, business and society. It was set up by Prof Dr Thomas Baaken, who is handing over the leadership to new hands.
Prof. Dr Sue Rossano-Rivero (left) and Prof. Dr Thomas Kliewe said goodbye to Prof. Dr Thomas Baake, who accompanied them from the beginning at Münster University of Applied Sciences
During his time in this position, he has taught 10,000 students, corrected 15,000 exams, supervised 883 Bachelor's and Master's theses, supervised 16 doctorates, published 171 scientific publications, given 333 lectures in 39 countries and raised a total of almost ten million euros in third-party funding for Münster University of Applied Sciences: We are talking about the founding father and long-standing head of the Science-to-Business Marketing Research Centre (S2BMRC), Prof. Dr Thomas Baaken. He has now bid farewell with his farewell lecture "Science! - FH Münster in the year 2050" at the Münster School of Business (MSB), the business faculty of our university. "A true visionary is leaving our university," said Carsten Schröder, FH Vice President for Cooperation, Innovation and Marketing, and honoured the scientist for his outstanding commitment. In addition to Schröder, the former Rector, Prof Dr Klaus Niederdrenk, as well as the Dean of MSB, Prof Dr Manuel Rupprecht, and other companions thanked the scientist for his achievements, which continue to have an impact today.
Baaken said farewell with a look into the future - how could it be otherwise for a visionary - and presented a video.
In it, he confirms the Münster University of Applied Sciences: "Our university has shown in its change process that technology and creativity have a common transformative power. In 2050, the 'university of the visionary future' is a symbol of a world in which continuous education is accessible to everyone who wants it. Important with all the changes: People remain at the centre."This has always been the principle at his institute: "Everyone here goes the extra mile. I had the best job in the world, it's great when you leave behind traces that are carried on."The farewell lecture was attended by around 100 guests from the Münsterland region, as well as from Australia, Poland, the UK, Brazil, Spain, Estonia, the Netherlands and France.
Prof. Dr. Sue Rossano-Rivero, who has been acting head of the S2BMRC for the past two years, is also leaving the institute at the same time. The deputy professor is following an appointment at the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences. "During my time at Münster University of Applied Sciences, especially in my leadership role within the S2B initiative, I was able to experience numerous milestones." She talks about the WeRin project (Women Entrepreneurs in Regional Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystems), for which she won the Social EU Award for the best editorial plan for knowledge topics. Rossano: "Visiting the Ambassador of Mexico or co-organising the Women's Empowerment Convention with the start-up centre REACH and winning the Gender Equality Award are also very special moments in my career."
In total, the scientist acquired 14 research projects with a total volume of around 1.4 million euros. "I am proud that I was able to develop and establish topics such as women's entrepreneurship at universities, women in science and academic female entrepreneurship at the S2BMRC." She is now leaving with a smile and a tear in her eye: "I have learnt a lot at FH Münster, but at its core, entrepreneurship and life is about recognising and seizing opportunities, so I am looking forward to the new challenges that await me."
Prof Dr Thorsten Kliewe is now back at the helm of the S2BMRC, having already headed the institute before his parental leave and also completed his doctorate at the MSB. "Thomas Baaken is a magnetic person, he has positively influenced many people and he has built up so much. I want to continue this with our strong and international team, even in times of scarce resources.