Dies academicus 2011: 20 young academics honored for top performance

Showpiece for the performance capacity of young academics

13.07.2011

Recognition for high levels of commitment and performance: on the occasion of Dies academicus each year, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz honors young scientists in acknowledgement of their excellent final papers. This year, 20 prizewinners received a reward for top performance at the celebrations in the "Alte Mensa" hall of the University.

"The honors bestowed on the prize winners at the Dies academicus document the motivation and capability of our young scientists. Support for these young scientists is one of the pillars of our University, and we are well advised to support and utilize the future potential of research and teaching to the best of our ability," stated the President of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, University Professor Dr. Georg Krausch. "I am particularly obliged to the donors and foundations that show exemplary commitment to the promotion of young scientists and to scientific excellence as a criterion for support every year."

Altogether, approximately 600 students received a doctoral degree from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in 2010/2011. Every year, the large number of high-quality theses includes a few that are truly outstanding. Their authors are therefore honored for their top research performance. Foundations and business initiatives have once again contributed to supporting our young scientists and promoting top research at Mainz University. The prizes provided have a total value of approximately €34,000, and were provided by the Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation, the Friends of Mainz University, the State Bank of Rhineland-Palatinate, the Peregrinus Foundation, the Dr. Feldbausch Foundation, the Lions Club (Oppenheim), the Alfred Teves Foundation, and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The President's special prize for foreign students was again awarded this year. In addition, several young scientists received the Johannes Gutenberg University Prize for their doctoral theses in their respective faculties.