The new Dean's Office of the Faculty of Life Sciences

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 Dean of Studies Prof. Dr. Peter F. W. Simon in front of the faculty building in Kleve.

A new team is taking over the management of the Faculty of Life Sciences at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in the form of a co-deanery. In two separate elections, the Faculty Council elected a new management team in the summer: Firstly, Professor Dr Sylvia Moenickes, Professor of Environmental Systems Analysis, was elected Dean. Frank Platte was confirmed as Vice Dean and Prof Dr Peter F. W. Simon as Dean of Studies.

On 8 October 2025, they will succeed Prof. Dr Peter Scholz, who has played a key role in shaping the faculty over two terms of office - and thus for half of its history to date. The new team recognises him as a ‘reliable supporter’ and ‘enabler’ who has created space for innovation with tact and sensitivity, especially in challenging times such as the coronavirus pandemic.

Building on this solid foundation, the new deanery is looking to the future. The focus is on the further development of the German and English-language degree programmes as well as stronger content-related networking of the core areas of agriculture, food, health and biotechnology. The innovative strength of the faculty is to be strengthened in a targeted manner through interdisciplinary synergies - with the aim of finding answers to complex global challenges.

First Dean of the Faculty

Prof. Dr Sylvia Moenickes is Professor of Environmental Systems Analysis and a recognised expert in computer-aided simulation of environmental impacts. Her research ranges from computer simulations on soil microbial stability under veterinary pharmaceuticals to collaborative projects such as the effects of climate change on food webs in the Rhine. She sees her appointment as the first woman to head the faculty as an important mission:

‘I received a lot of encouragement during my candidature,’ reflects Moenickes. ‘This shows that women in management positions are unfortunately still not a matter of course.’ She formulates her goal clearly: ‘Together with the team and in collaboration with the person responsible for decentralised equal opportunities, I would like to further expand the visibility, participation and career options of women at our faculty.’

She is supported by Vice Dean Prof Dr Frank Platte, Professor of Chemical Process Engineering and founder of an engineering firm specialising in computer-aided process simulation. He has been teaching at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences since 2015, specialising in reactor modelling and optical analytics. His vision for the faculty is clear: "Especially in times of digitalisation, personal encounters at the university are becoming even more important. My task is to secure and promote the excellent conditions for this at the Faculty of Life Sciences." The management trio deliberately acts as a modern ‘co-deanery’ in order to tackle the diverse tasks together by combining complementary strengths.

Creating space for inspiration

How does the team want to actively bring together research, teaching and students - the heart of every faculty? ‘By linking teaching to current research projects, we create practical relevance and motivation,’ explains Dean Moenickes. The Dean's Office sees itself as a trailblazer and wants to ‘create space for associated teaching formats’.

Among other things, new event series such as faculty colloquia are planned to strengthen the dialogue between teaching staff, students and researchers. This is based on a modern understanding of academic careers: not as rigid career paths, but as dynamic, ‘fluid transitions’.

Prof Dr Peter F. W. Simon, who was confirmed in his position as experienced Dean of Studies for Sciences, will ensure continuity in the new management team. As Professor of Organic Chemistry and Polymer Chemistry, he forms a central interface between basic chemistry and applied life sciences. His scientific career has taken him from fundamental polymer research to the development of novel, recyclable plastics with biodegradable properties. With regard to the collaboration, he is convinced: ‘It will be very productive and very exciting in the new deanery.’

With a clear vision, a co-operative spirit and the courage to break new ground, the designated Dean's Office of the Faculty of Life Sciences is well positioned for the future.