125 Years of Management, Economics and Social Sciences – The Anniversary 2026
Today’s ideas. Tomorrow’s impact.
2026, the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Cologne will celebrate its 125th anniversary. This special milestone highlights both the faculty’s remarkable historical development and its significance for the present and the future.
As one of the largest and most renowned institutions of its kind, the WiSo Faculty shapes the fields of economics and social sciences – innovative, interdisciplinary, responsible, and with a decisive impact.
This anniversary website serves as the central hub for all activities, events, and communication initiatives throughout the anniversary year. Here, visitors will find up-to-date information, programme overviews, and insights into the faculty’s history and future.
A Look Back: 125 Years of Science, Impact and Transformation
The roots of the WiSo Faculty date back to the founding of the Cologne School of Commerce on 16 April 1901 – the historical origin of today’s faculty. Since then, it has evolved into an interdisciplinary centre in which business administration, economics, social sciences and political science jointly shape research and public debate.
You can find more about the history of the faculty here: The History of the WiSo Faculty
Anniversary Programme 2026
1. Anniversary Opening – 16 April 2026
Venue: WiSo Building (WiSo-Hochhaus)
Time: 5:00–9:00 pm
The ceremonial anniversary opening marks the official start of the jubilee year.
With keynote talks on the 125-year history, the development of the faculty buildings, current academic perspectives, and a joint get-together, the evening will focus on identity, exchange and future orientation.
This event will also mark the official opening of Lecture Hall I!
The opening event sets the tone for all subsequent anniversary activities under the claim: “Today’s ideas. Tomorrow’s impact.”
2. Lecture Series in Summer 2026
Following the opening event, our scientific lecture series will explore pressing questions in economics, politics, and society.
The series showcases the Faculty’s interdisciplinary research strengths while making academic insights accessible to a wide audience. Each lecture addresses contemporary issues in a clear, engaging, and open manner for all participants.
Objectives of the lecture series:
- Foster dialogue between academia, politics, business, and civil society
- Present current research and innovative approaches
- Promote science communication with a sense of societal responsibility
125 Years of Management, Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Cologne
Open Day & Ceremony “Impact and Responsibility of Economics and Social Sciences
on 15 October 2026
Under the guiding theme “Impact and Responsibility of Economics and Social Sciences”, the WiSo Faculty invites members, alumni, partners, and the interested public to look back together on 125 years of research, teaching, and societal impact – and at the same time to turn towards the future: to the major transformative challenges of our time.
Date and Venue
Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
Start of programme: 14:00
Venue: WiSo Foyer, Lecture Hall I and Rooftop of the WiSo Faculty
Universitätsstr. 24, 50931 Cologne, Germany
Programme
1. Festive Opening (14:00–15:30 | WiSo Foyer, Lecture Hall I)
The official opening of the celebration includes:
- Launch of activities for the WiSo Expo Campus (see below)
- Welcome addresses by the Dean of the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences, Professor Ulrich Thonemann, Ph.D., and the Rector of the University of Cologne, Professor Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee.
- Greetings and award ceremonies
- “Cake & Celebrate” – ceremonial cutting of the anniversary cake
2. WiSo Expo Campus (15:30–17:30 | WiSo Foyer, WiSo Tower)
The WiSo Expo Campus invites visitors to explore, participate, and engage:
- WiSo chronicle exhibition
- Campus tours including the rooftop
- Information stands on research and teaching
- Interactive formats and scientific experiments of the anniversary cake
3. Highlight: Keynote Address & Panel Discussion (17:00–19:15 | Lecture Hall I)
Registration from 17:00 in the WiSo Foyer
Welcome by Prof. Ulrich Thonemann, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences, University of Cologne
Keynote Lecture
Prof. Dr. Bettina Rockenbach – President of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina:
“Impact and Responsibility of Economics and Social Sciences”
Panel discussion: on Germany’s Future Viability in the 21st Century
Leading academics and practitioners will discuss Germany’s future viability in times of geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption, and social polarisation.
Participants:
- Prof. Dr. h.c. Nicola Fuchs-Schündeln, Ph.D. – President of the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB)
- Prof. Dr. Andreas Peichl – Head of the ifo Center for Public Finance and Macroeconomics, ifo Institute
- Alina vom Bruck – Chair of the Executive Board, Gothaer Life Insurance AG
- Prof. Achim Wambach, Ph.D. – President of ZEW – Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research
Moderation: Heike Göbel – Journalist, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ)
Together, the participants will discuss the contribution that economics and social sciences can make to shaping a future-proof society – and how research, politics, business, and civil society can work together in this process.
4. Get-Together (from 19:15 | WiSo Foyer, Rooftop)
The anniversary day concludes with a Get-Together in the WiSo Foyer and on the rooftop – offering space for exchange, encounters, and networking in a special atmosphere, accompanied by culinary delicacies and refreshing beverages.
Registration and Participation
The event is divided into four programme sections, each focusing on different thematic priorities. Registration will be available shortly. Please save the date in your calendar now.
We warmly invite you to register for the individual programme sections and to celebrate this special anniversary day with us!
125 years of the WiSo Faculty mean 125 years of ideas, research and people who have had a lasting impact on our society. For us, this anniversary is not only a moment to look back, but above all a step forward. We are celebrating the diversity of our disciplines, the courage to innovate, and the strong sense of community that distinguishes our faculty. Together with students, staff, alumni and partners, we want to use this anniversary year to showcase what makes the WiSo strong today and what it can achieve tomorrow. I warmly invite everyone to be part of this special year and to help shape the history of the WiSo.
What Makes the Anniversary Special
We warmly invite you to help shape the anniversary:
- For members of the WiSo Faculty
Support the organisation, contribute your ideas or take part in activities and events. Every perspective counts – because our anniversary is a collaborative project. - For external partners and alumni
Maintain dialogue with us, share your expertise and experiences, and participate in discussions, panels or knowledge-transfer formats. Your contribution strengthens the bridge between academia, business, politics and society. - For interested members of the public
Take part in our events, rediscover the WiSo Faculty and engage in conversation with researchers and students. We are opening our doors – and look forward to welcoming you.
