Grand Decoration in Gold for Petra Winter

Petra Winter was the first veterinarian to lead Vetmeduni, serving as rector from 2016 to 2025. From 2010 to 2016 she had previously shaped key strategic decisions in teaching as Vice-Rector.

Her rectorship encompassed a comprehensive curriculum reform and the establishment of the first veterinary skills lab in the German-speaking world; the international recognition of the program was secured through outstanding EAEVE accreditations. Through the university initiative “VetmedRegio,” she strengthened veterinary care in the regions, deepened cooperation with the federal provinces and South Tyrol, and opened a branch in Innsbruck focused on ruminant medicine.

Under her leadership, the new Small Animal Clinic on campus and infrastructure projects at the Wilhelminenberg site were launched. She advanced digital transformation through e-health pilot projects and the founding of a Center for System Transformation and Sustainability, and she strengthened Vetmeduni’s research profile through inter- and transdisciplinary collaborations, including a founding partnership with the medical universities at the Ignaz Semmelweis Institute. She also supported early-career researchers and women in science through targeted funding and mentoring initiatives and made numerous professorial appointments.

She currently serves as President of the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE).

Vetmeduni warmly congratulates Petra Winter on this distinction!