Festive Farewell to Univ.-Prof. Markus Ritter into Retirement
Festive Farewell to Univ.-Prof. Markus Ritter into Retirement
After more than 21 years of dedicated and influential work at the Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU), Univ.-Prof. Dr. Markus Ritter was officially retired in a ceremonial event on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The celebration took place in the EverPharma Lecture Hall at the PMU campus in Salzburg, honoring his long-standing contributions as Head of the Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology.
Prof. Ritter officially entered retirement in the presence of numerous guests. Over his 21 years at the PMU, he played a key role during a period marked by many milestones in the university’s development. Founding Rector Univ.-Prof. Dr. Herbert Resch recalled in his speech that Markus Ritter “joined the PMU at a time when many crucial decisions were being made,” and emphasized that his achievements and initiatives have had a lasting impact on the university.
One example of Ritter’s commitment is the PMU’s participation in the “Long Night of Research in Salzburg,” which was largely initiated by him and remains an important part of the university’s knowledge dissemination and public outreach.
The farewell ceremony was attended by many companions from Ritter’s career, including former PMU Rectors Univ.-Prof. Dr. Herbert Resch and Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Sperl, Vice Rector at the Salzburg campus Elmar Aigner, and Vice Rector of PMU Nuremberg, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Hans Herbert Steiner. Other guests included executives, department heads, and staff from the Institute of Physiology and the entire PMU.
The event was moderated by Ilse Spadlinek, who has known Markus Ritter for many years. International and personal touches were added by video messages with congratulations, including one from Dr. Ram Shrestha, founder of Dhulikhel Hospital in Nepal, a long-standing partner and companion of the PMU. The farewell concluded in a convivial atmosphere with drinks and snacks at the end of the month.
The Paracelsus Medical Private University sincerely thanks Markus Ritter for his dedication, scientific expertise, and contributions to the development of the PMU. The PMU wishes him all the best for this new chapter in his life!
Translated by Le Chat
