On 8 October 2025, there will be a change in leadership at the Faculty of Life Sciences at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences. A new team, led by Prof. PD Dr.-Ing. Sylvia Moenickes – the faculty’s first female head – will then take charge of the faculty.
The new Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Life Sciences (from left to right): Dean Prof. PD Dr.-Ing. Sylvia Moenickes, Vice-Dean Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Platte and Director of Studies Prof. Dr. Peter F. W. Simon in front of the faculty buildings in Kleve.
At Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, a new team is taking over the leadership of the Faculty of Life Sciences in the form of a co-deanery. In two separate ballots this summer, the Faculty Council elected a new leadership team: First, Prof. PD Dr.-Ing. Sylvia Moenickes, Professor of Environmental Systems Analysis, was elected Dean. Subsequently, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Platte was elected Vice-Dean, whilst Prof. Dr. Peter F. W. Simon was confirmed in his role as Director of Studies.
On 8 October 2025, they will succeed Prof. Dr Peter Scholz, who has had a decisive influence on the faculty over two terms of office – and thus for half of its history to date. The new team pays tribute to him as a “reliable supporter” and “enabler” who, particularly during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has created scope for innovation with great tact and sensitivity.
Building on this solid foundation, the new Dean’s Office is looking to the future. The focus is on the further development of German- and English-language degree programmes, as well as greater integration of content across the core areas of agriculture, food, health and biotechnology. Interdisciplinary synergies are intended to specifically strengthen the faculty’s capacity for innovation – with the aim of finding solutions to complex global challenges.
Prof. PD Dr.-Ing. Sylvia Moenickes is a professor of environmental systems analysis and a recognised expert in computer-aided simulation of environmental impacts. Her research ranges from computer simulations of soil microbial stability under the influence of veterinary pharmaceuticals to collaborative projects such as the effects of climate change on food webs in the Rhine. She regards her appointment as the first woman to head the faculty as an important mission:
“I received a great deal of support during my candidacy,” reflects Moenickes. “This shows that, unfortunately, women in leadership positions are still not the norm.” She sets out her goal clearly: “Together with the team and in collaboration with the decentralised equality officer, I would like to further enhance the visibility, participation and career opportunities for women in our faculty.”
She is supported by Vice-Dean Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Platte, Professor of Chemical Process Engineering and founder of an engineering consultancy specialising in computer-aided process simulation. He has been teaching at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences since 2015, specialising in reactor modelling and optical analytics. His vision for the faculty is clear: “Particularly in this age of digitalisation, face-to-face interaction at the university is becoming even more important. My task is to ensure and promote the excellent conditions for this within the Faculty of Life Sciences.” The leadership trio deliberately operates as a modern “co-deanery” in order to tackle the diverse range of tasks together by combining their complementary strengths.
How does the team aim to actively bring together research, teaching and students – the heart of every faculty? “By linking teaching to current research projects, we foster practical relevance and motivation,” explains Dean Moenickes. The Dean’s Office sees itself as a pioneer in this regard and aims to “create space for associated teaching formats”.
Plans include new series of events, such as faculty colloquia, designed to strengthen dialogue between lecturers, students and researchers. Underpinning this is a modern understanding of academic careers: not as rigid career paths, but as dynamic, ‘fluid transitions’.
Prof. Dr Peter F. W. Simon ensures continuity within the new leadership team; he has been reappointed as the experienced Dean of Studies for Sciences. As a professor of organic chemistry and polymer chemistry, he forms a key link between the fundamentals of chemistry and the applied life sciences. His academic career has taken him from fundamental polymer research to the development of innovative, recyclable plastics with biodegradable properties. Looking ahead to the collaboration, he is convinced: “This will be very productive and very exciting in the new Dean’s Office.”
With a clear vision, a spirit of cooperation and the courage to break new ground, the incoming Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Life Sciences is well positioned for the future.
