The latest issue (No. 12, 2019) of the German university journal DUZ is adorned with the image of a walking Wilhelm Krull, Secretary General of the VolkswagenStiftung (VWS) for almost a quarter of a century. VWS, based in Hanover, is the largest private research funder in Germany. The foundation also actively participates in international collaborations, including with RJ as a party to several initiatives.

The driving force behind many of the research initiatives, as well as in the work to change European research policy, has been precisely Wilhelm Krull. The joint article with Helga Nowotnys in Science (05 November 2004) must be seen as a decisive element in the history of the European Research Council (ERC). Wilhelm KrullKrull has constantly encouraged innovative thinking and scientific risk-taking, where VWS stands out positively in the European foundation world. He has also contributed to the changes in German legislation which mean that foundations and private donations have been able to grow strongly in Germany over the past ten years.

In connection with Wilhelm Krull's retirement, on 12-13 December 2019, WVS organized a symposium on the state of German research and higher education - and where, of course, the challenges of the future were also focused. Research has developed strongly, but higher education is grappling with significant difficulties. The need for an overhaul of the entire research and education system was highlighted by several participants. Such a review should probably also cover upper secondary education, said several participants.

Krull's successor is Georg Schütte, until recently State Secretary and before that General Secretary of the Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung, which supports German science's international relations.

The cover image of DUZ brings my thoughts to the drawings of Bismarck's departure 130 years ago. Iconic images: the pilot leaves! --The very word "pilot" was used by a younger speaker to characterize Wilhelm's personal importance to both individuals and organizations. Friendly but firm. Pushy but not pushy. Never over the top, always engaging.

From January 2020, Wilhelm Krull leads the work to build an institute for advanced studies in Hamburg. The funding is private, and the research will work on humanity's great challenges, including the environment and climate. It will surely be excellent. I am convinced that Wilhelm Krull, through his great commitment combined with his knowledge and contacts, will continue to make important contributions to science and life in general.

Text: Göran Blomqvist, former CEO of RJ