The University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo) stands for long-standing competence in the field of veterinary medicine. It is an eminent scientific institution connecting modern science with university tradition. Since its founding in 1778 as the Roß-Arzney-Schule it has kept its independent status up until today thereby assuming an exceptional position in Germany. At the beginning of 2003 the TiHo was transformed to a university foundation – the State of Lower Saxony granting the university a greater personal responsibility and thereby more flexibility for legal arrangements. The TiHo has built up six specialist centres and integrates six clinics, 17 institutes and two special units. Additionally, in Ruthe, south of Hannover, in Bakum near Vechta and in Büsum at the North Sea the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover runs three field offices training students, and conducting research projects.