Society Needs Science

The poet of freedom and former professor of the University of Jena, Friedrich Schiller, is constantly celebrated at the university named after him. This is especially evident during "Schiller Day," which commemorates Schiller's inaugural lecture in 1789. During this year's musical ceremony on June 30th, the top young researchers of the past twelve months were also honored.

A Tribute and an Awards Ceremony

The Rowena Morse Award for advanced young researchers was presented to ACP principal scientist Junior-Prof. Dr. Giancarlo Soavi. The physicist received the prize of 5,000 euros for his exceptional achievements in research and teaching, as well as his groundbreaking contributions in the field of nonlinear optics and ultrafast spectroscopy of quantum-confined systems. The Rowena Morse Award, named after the first woman to earn her doctorate at the University of Jena, is funded by the Society of Friends of the University.

The dissertation awards, each endowed with 750 euros, are also sponsored by the Society of Friends and Supporters of the University. The following individuals were honored during the festive doctoral ceremony: Dr. Christian Kamleiter (Faculty of Theology), Dr. Louise Sophia Kavacs (Faculty of Law), Dr. Dr. Leonard Hoeft (Faculty of Economics), Dr. Sven Eric Büchel (Faculty of Philosophy), Dr. Simon Lübke (Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences), Dr. Benjamin Hinrich (Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science), Dr. Silvia Simionato (Faculty of Physics and Astronomy), Dr. Paul Strobel (Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences), Dr. Paul Mike Jordan (Faculty of Life Sciences), and Dr. Stefanie Quickert (Faculty of Medicine).

Previously during the Schiller Day event, those present of the 495 doctoral graduates who successfully completed their degrees in the past academic year also received their certificates. In his opening speech, University President Prof. Dr. Walter Rosenthal gave them all a mission, stating, "You are all pioneers who have brought something new into the world. Preserve this pioneering spirit and help shape and accelerate the transformations that society needs, so that our collective foundations are protected and resources are distributed more fairly in the future."

In this spirit, Prof. Dr. Markus Reichstein held his keynote address titled "Science as Exemplified by Climate Research: Exciting and Useful?". Prof. Reichstein, also the Director at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry and Professor of Global Geoecology at the University of Jena, illustrated how interesting science and societal relevance can be interconnected with compelling examples.

The Most Beautiful Graduation Cap

In addition to the awards for scientific achievement, the artistic and creative side of the "doctores" were also recognized. The Graduate Academy's "Hut ab!" (Hats off!) photo contest took place online, where the most beautiful doctoral hats were chosen, and the winners were announced for the first time during the Schiller Day event. Dr. Friederike Richter from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry received the most votes for her hat, securing first place. Second place went to Dr. Isabel Santos Valentim, who conducted research at the Leibniz Institute for Aging Research - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI). Dr. Anna Schröger from the Institute of Sports Science achieved third place.