New Rector Formally Inaugurated: Annemarie Weißenbacher Takes Office

On March 26, 2026, Assoc. Prof. Priv.-Doz. Dr. Annemarie Weißenbacher, DPhil, MSc, was formally inaugurated as the new Rector of the Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU) in a ceremonial event held in the festive halls of the Salzburg Residence. In this role, she assumes overall scientific, strategic, and organizational responsibility for the university.

Distinguished Guests in Attendance

The invited guests included:

• Harald Mattel, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Salzburg
• Representatives of Austrian medical universities and private universities
• Donors, sponsors, and friends of the PMU
• National and international cooperation partners
• PMU Executive Board and staff from administration, teaching, and research
• Honored guests from politics, science, and business
• The PMU delegation, including PMU Vice-Rector Univ.-Prof. Dr. Hans Herbert Steiner and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Stephan Kolb

Following the official opening, greetings were delivered by Dr. Wilfried Haslauer, former Governor of Salzburg and Chairman of the PMU Foundation Board, and by Mag. Silvia Lechner on behalf of the Salzburg State Hospitals, the university’s most important cooperation partner. Anthony Windebak, who traveled from the USA, also offered his congratulations on behalf of the long-standing partner, the Mayo Clinic, and emphasized the international significance of the PMU.

New Oxford-Salzburg Network

Two special guests, Prof. Rutger Ploeg and Prof. Constantin Coussios, long-time companions of Rector Prof. Annemarie Weißenbacher from her time at Oxford, enriched the ceremony with personal and moving speeches. With warm words and humorous anecdotes, they expressed their deep appreciation for Annemarie Weißenbacher, highlighting her exceptional determination, resolve, and courage to forge new paths. Their speeches lent the event a particularly warm and inspiring atmosphere, underscoring the close bonds and high esteem in which the new Rector is held far beyond national borders. They represent the newly established Oxford-Salzburg Network of the PMU.

Handing Over of the Scepter & Inaugural Address

After the speeches, the ceremonial handing over of the university scepter took place, with founding Rector Herbert Resch offering his heartfelt congratulations to Rector Weißenbacher on her academic appointment.

In her address, Rector Prof. Annemarie Weißenbacher emphasized:

“As a medical student and PhD candidate, I know from personal experience the expectations placed on modern education. I am all the more delighted to actively help shape the medicine of the future together with the team at the PMU. This potential is not only an asset for the university, but one that should be carried from Salzburg out into the world. Our education is our most important calling card. Universities have always been cradles of innovation—it is their task to foster and develop new ideas. As physicians, scientists, and advisors to politics and society, we bear responsibility for the further development of the healthcare system. This is what I am most looking forward to.”

Annemarie Weißenbacher, a native of the Tennengau region, previously worked as a surgeon and senior physician at the University Hospital for Visceral, Transplant, and Thoracic Surgery in Innsbruck, specializing in kidney surgery.

Congratulations from Politics

“The Paracelsus Medical Private University is one of the central pillars for the education and training of physicians, pharmacists, and nursing staff in Salzburg and is thus indispensable for research, teaching, and healthcare. The State of Salzburg and the PMU are strong partners and will continue to be so in the future. With Annemarie Weißenbacher, an absolute top physician is returning to Salzburg. I am convinced that under her leadership, the PMU will continue to develop excellently both academically and structurally,” said Daniela Gutsch, State Councilor for Health and Science.

Salzburg’s Mayor, Bernhard Auinger, added: “I warmly congratulate Rector Annemarie Weißenbacher on her inauguration and wish her all the best and much success in her responsible role at the helm of the Paracelsus Medical Private University. The City of Salzburg and the PMU have enjoyed excellent cooperation for many years, which significantly strengthens our health and science sector. I look forward to continuing this joint path with Rector Weißenbacher.”

Best Wishes from the PMU Leadership Team

Mag. Vera Coreth, interim Chancellor of the PMU, and the two Vice-Rectors, Univ.-Prof. Christian Datz and Univ.-Prof. Elmar Aigner, offered their congratulations:

“With Prof. Weißenbacher, a strong and competent personality is taking the helm of the PMU. Together, we will continue to advance the university strategically and sustainably.”

During the celebrations, the newly appointed Vice-Rectors at the Salzburg campus also received their decrees:

• Univ.-Prof. Elmar Aigner has been Vice-Rector for Studies and Teaching since the beginning of the year.
• Univ.-Prof. Christian Datz, Medical Director of Oberndorf Hospital, has been responsible for research since January.

Festive Conclusion

Accompanied by the Salzburg Brass Quartet, around 250 guests witnessed this historic moment. The evening concluded with a champagne reception and a flying dinner, creating a festive and memorable atmosphere.