Rector Meinhard Lukas remarked: "As an institute of education and research, a university also has a special social responsibility." Maria Buchmayr’s expertise and experience will play a key role in this area. Returning to Johannes Kepler University from maternity leave, Maria Buchmayr will take over as head of the administrative department for sustainability at the Rectorate.

Rector Lukas added: "I strongly believe that especially in the 21^st century, science and academia has a special social, public, and ecological responsibility." Sustainability is one of the many decisive factors underlying the social acceptance of science and research. “Over the years, Maria Buchmayr has demonstrated her commitment to environmental issues through political positions with the Upper Austrian Green party. The topic is dear to her heart and as head of this office, she has many connections. As a long-standing JKU employee, she knows exactly where we have potential.”

Maria Buchmayr emphasized: "Due to the university's location on the city’s outskirts as well as the campus structure, the JKU in particular faces special challenges and opportunities in regards to sustainable development. Although in recent years we have taken important steps – such as, for example, changing over to serve organic meat at the cafeteria - many exciting tasks still await us." When it comes to everyday activities and actions, a contemporary university needs different solutions that take both social consequences as well as environmental, health, and social issues into account from the start as well as from the ground up. "I look forward to exciting and fascinating duties and responsibilities. It is a true opportunity to be in a position to rethink, redesign and develop things in these areas."