On Pioneering Institutions

Abstract

To think about the multiple occasions where I had the privilege of working with Horst Albach, over a period of close to 20 years, is a gratifying experience. For, again and again, this cooperation turned out to be

• ⊞ effective: Horst knew the right people and being a highly respected scholar in his country and abroad, he had easy access to many key people, at the right levels;

• ⊞ instructive: scientist and man of action — “un philosophe en action” with the words of Gaston Berger — Horst always came up with clear, well structured ideas, which he succeeded to formulate in simple ways. It so happens that our cooperation concerned rather innovative adventures in the world of academia, as we will see further, and here Horst was definitely at his best, combining the core of his theoretical work with his fascinating experience as a true entrepreneur in higher education and research;

• ⊞ loyal and reliable: to the best of my memory, Horst has never come back or been late on something he promised to do. Working relations were extremely easy, as with a trusted friend;

• ⊞ extremely pleasant: on all occasions, Horst knew how to make one feel comfortable and relaxed. I always will remember the warm hospitality of Renate and Horst Albach the several times that I have had the privilege of visiting them at their home and enjoy the delicious atmosphere of this family, a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, of rigour and openness.