The Jakob-Fugger-Zentrum - Research College for Transnational Studies was formally inaugurated with a festive ceremony on 11 December 2013. The ceremony took place in the Golden Hall of the city of Augsburg.

To mark this festive occasion, Prof. Dr. Hubert Burda gave a keynote speech on the current relevance of Jakob Fugger. Prof. Linus Roth (violin) and José Gallardo (piano) from the Leopold Mozart Centre of the University of Augsburg accompanied the ceremony musically.

As a research centre that connects scientists from different disciplines, combines their expertise and creates new synergies, the new Jakob-Fugger-Zentrum at the University of Augsburg is pursuing ambitious goals. The center aims to promote the humanities, cultural and social sciences in Augsburg and increase their international renown. It reflects the concept of a "network university", into which the University of Augsburg is developing under the direction of its President Prof. Dr. Sabine Doering-Manteuffel.

The research of the Jakob-Fugger-Zentrum is closely connected with the history and the present situation of the city of Augsburg. Once the scene of the reconciliation of different faiths in the religious peace treaty of Augsburg, the city now stands as a prime example of a municipal society in which citizens from a wide variety of social, cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds coexist.

The Jakob-Fugger-Zentrum therefore intends to maintain close contact with the local community. With lectures and events held at a variety of locations around the heart of the city, it has a strong public presence and promotes an active exchange with the residents.

The center's namesake is one of Augsburg's perhaps best-known historical figures: Jakob Fugger, known as "the Rich" (1459-1525). As one of the most important entrepreneurs of his day, Jakob Fugger was an expert in establishing global networks and using them profitably. His name also stands for the combination of economic activities with social and cultural commitment.

The Jakob-Fugger-Zentrum builds on these key themes with its research on the opportunities and risks of a globally networked world. Like Jakob Fugger himself, the Center aims to contribute sustainably to the continuing development of society.