30 Years of Nursing Science: How a Pioneering Achievement Gives Rise to Future Prospects

What is now an established part of research, teaching and healthcare was still a novelty 30 years ago: in 1996, Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) introduced Germany’s first university degree programme in nursing science. In doing so, it opened up new academic prospects for practising nurses and laid an important foundation for the further academic development of the profession. Just how far the discipline has come since then and what challenges lie ahead were the focus of the anniversary event on 2 October 2026, held under the theme ‘30 Years of Nursing Science – Reflections, Impulses, Perspectives’.

Among the approximately 150 guests were long-standing pioneers and prominent supporters of nursing science, including the founder of the Witten Institute – now a School of Nursing Science – Prof. Dr h.c. Christel Bienstein, and Prof. (ret.) Dr Sabine Bartholomeyczik. Also in attendance were UW/H’s founding president, Dr Konrad Schily, Witten’s mayor, Dirk Leistner, and a former representative of the Mercator Foundation.

From its beginnings to an established academic discipline

“Go on, do what you want! Study nursing science!” – this was the slogan with which the UW/H promoted its new degree programme in 1996. The headlines from that time, which were revisited at the start of the anniversary event, highlighted just how unusual this step was at the time.

In her welcome address, Prof. Dr Margareta Halek, Head of the School of Nursing Science, traced the development over the past three decades and highlighted Witten’s contribution to nursing science in Germany. Christel Bienstein also recalled the early days and the people who initiated and drove forward the development of nursing science in Witten.

In his welcoming address, UW/H President Prof. Dr Martin Butzlaff emphasised the long-term social value of academically sound nursing – drawing on a well-known quote by John F. Kennedy – with the words: “There is only one thing that is more expensive in the long run than nursing science: no nursing science.”

What kind of nursing does tomorrow’s healthcare system need?

Looking back also served as the starting point for addressing current and future challenges. Three keynote speeches highlighted key areas of nursing science: care provision, education and research.

Prof. Dr Hartmut Remmers took a critical look at the role of nursing in healthcare. Prof. Dr Markus Zimmermann discussed the development of university-level nursing education and its prospects against the backdrop of German legislation. Prof. Dr Gabriele Meyer focused on nursing research and emphasised, amongst other things, the importance of a stronger link between academia and practice, the further development of research in acute care, and international networking.

Five graduates of the UW/H, who now work in key administrative roles in clinical practice and quality development, demonstrated how academic qualifications are already shaping day-to-day care today. In their presentations, they outlined their responsibilities, experiences and visions for the future across various areas of nursing. One example was provided by Leah Dörr, who is responsible for all wound management at Bonn University Hospital. Her career path, and that of the others, demonstrates the level of responsibility that academically qualified nursing professionals can assume within the care system.

To conclude, a lively panel discussion brought together different perspectives: representatives from academia, education, research and clinical practice discussed the future of nursing and its contribution to a sustainable healthcare system. Amidst the recognition of their achievements, critical voices were also heard: nursing (and nursing science) is still too rarely involved in political decision-making processes and given too little weight in relation to its systemic importance, as current reforms demonstrate.

Shaping the future of care together

The anniversary event highlighted just how closely the development of nursing science in Germany is linked to Witten/Herdecke University. At the same time, it demonstrated that the academisation of nursing is not a completed process. Translating scientific findings into clinical practice, further developing educational paths and strengthening the role of nursing within the healthcare system remain key tasks.

In addition to the professional insights, the anniversary provided an opportunity for personal encounters and exchanges between different generations within nursing science. The School of Nursing Science would like to thank all former and current staff, graduates, long-standing colleagues and the many other guests who have helped shape developments over the past 30 years and celebrated the anniversary together.

Further information:
The anniversary page features a gallery of photos from the events as well as video messages.