The endowed professorship strengthens the research activities at the chair of the same name held by Prof. Dr Julia Hartmann for the next three years, while at the same time supporting young talent in study and academia. The funds provided by the foundation will be additionally doubled by SRH as the supporting body of EBS Universität.

Sustainability as a key topic for the future

The professorship strengthens the field of Sustainability Management, an area that is becoming increasingly important in light of global challenges such as climate change, regulatory developments and economic transformation. The aim is to further establish sustainability both in academic research and in international discourse.

With the endowment and the support of SRH, research at the chair of Prof. Dr Julia Hartmann will in particular be expanded through an additional research associate. Furthermore, the financial commitment enables scholarships for students and doctoral candidates and supports study periods abroad at renowned international partner universities.

“In both research and practice, sustainability is gaining increasing strategic importance for business and society,” emphasises Prof. Dr Julia Hartmann. “The support of the Heinrich J. Klein Foundation and SRH enables us to further expand research and the promotion of young scholars in this field and to strengthen international talent in a targeted way.”

“Sustainability is not a trend, but a structural transformation challenge for business and society. By doubling the foundation’s funds, we as SRH are sending a clear signal: we are making targeted investments in academic excellence and in the promotion of international talent. The Heinrich J. Klein Endowed Professorship combines corporate responsibility with academic impact – and this is precisely in line with our self-conception as a foundation-owned enterprise shaping the future sectors of education and healthcare,” says Patrick Mombaur, member of the Executive Board of SRH, the majority shareholder of EBS Universität.

Legacy of Heinrich J. Klein

The Heinrich J. Klein Foundation goes back to Dr Heinrich J. Klein, former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of SCHOTT AG as well as a graduate of EBS Universität, and his wife Dr Liesel Klein. Since its establishment in 1993, the foundation has been dedicated to promoting research and international exchange. The endowed professorship is based on the foundation’s assets, which were dissolved as of 1 January 2026, and continues its commitment in a new form. EBS Universität regards the professorship as a continuation of this legacy: young people are to be supported in a targeted manner and the academic engagement with sustainable corporate management is to be strengthened.