Until 2023, Harald Kainz held the position of Rector at Graz University of Technology. With three terms spanning twelve years, his tenure as Rector stands as the longest in the university’s history.

Harald Kainz was born in 1958. After completing his studies in civil engineering and engineering management in construction at Graz University of Technology, in 1982 he was employed at the former Institute of Residential and Industrial Water Management, and Groundwater and Agricultural Hydraulic Engineering. After gaining his doctorate in 1990, he took up assignments in managing positions in engineering offices in Austria and abroad, including eight years as managing director and on the executive board.

After ten years of experience in business he returned to Graz University of Technology and was appointed to the Chair of Urban Water Management and Landscape Water Engineering. In 2004 Harald Kainz was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering.

In 2007 he became Vice Rector of Infrastructure and Information and Communications Technology. From 2011 to 2023, Harald Kainz has been Rector of Graz University of Technology.