Nuremberg's TU now has a new lead administrator - City Council anticipates fruitful collaborations ahead
Professor Dr. Michael Fraas has been appointed as the new Chancellor of Nuremberg Technical University (UTN), effective from September 1, 2025. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the development and growth of UTN, as well as in the scientific and economic development of Nuremberg and its region.
Dr. Fraas, who grew up in southern Nuremberg and currently resides there, has a unique background combining academia, public administration, and the private sector. His roles include serving as a Professor of Business Law and Transfer at the Technischen Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm, consulting and law positions (e.g., Ernst & Young, Taylor Wessing), experience in the former Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, and local government work as a city councillor and economic and science affairs representative for Nuremberg.
As Chancellor, Dr. Fraas will be responsible for leading UTN’s growth and further development, leveraging his expertise in legal, economic, academic, and infrastructure matters. His deep connections to the Nuremberg region underscore his commitment to the university's mission and its integration with the local community.
The Establishment and Growth of UTN
Dr. Fraas has been instrumental in the establishment process of UTN from the beginning, providing impetus and co-shaping strategic decisions. The "Cube One" building, the first building of the new UTN campus, was completed last year on the 37-hectare campus. The first degree programs are already running at UTN, and teaching and research operations are continuously growing.
UTN pursues an innovative approach with interdisciplinary research, an international teaching concept, and a consistently digital and sustainable orientation. The new district of Lichtenreuth is being developed as an urban and future-oriented science location, with the new science campus located near the historic city center.
The city of Nuremberg welcomes the decision and looks forward to a close and trusting collaboration with the new Chancellor. Mayor Marcus König expressed his pleasure at Dr. Fraas taking on the responsible task of shaping the future development of UTN. Together, they aim to continue the success story of UTN and further advance the development of the new district of Lichtenreuth as an urban and future-oriented science location.
Dr. Andrea Heilmaier, the previous economic and scientific advisor, supports the appointment of Dr. Michael Fraas as Chancellor of Nuremberg Technical University. UTN is a century project for the city of Nuremberg, serving as a driving force for innovation. It is the first new foundation of a state university in Bavaria since 1978.
In summary, Professor Dr. Michael Fraas’ appointment is poised to strengthen UTN’s academic leadership and enhance its role as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable development in Nuremberg. The city and its university are embarking on an exciting new chapter, and we look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of UTN under Dr. Fraas’ leadership.
[1] Nuremberg Technical University Press Release, July 29, 2025 [2] Nuremberg Technical University Website, 2025 [3] Nuremberg City Council Press Release, July 29, 2025 [4] Bavarian State Ministry for Science and the Arts Press Release, July 29, 2025
Dr. Michael Fraas' extensive background in education and self-development, encompassing academia, public administration, and the private sector, will aid in the continued growth and development of Nuremberg Technical University (UTN). With his involvement in the establishment process of UTN and commitment to the university's mission, he is expected to strengthen UTN's academic leadership and enhance its role as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable development.
