20th Annual Reception of School III at the University of Siegen

Numerous guests from the academic, business, government, and political communities attended to look back on the past academic year together with the Schools and to honor outstanding achievements in research and teaching. At the same time, the schools used the reception as an opportunity to formally present the new doctoral graduates with their doctoral diplomas.

Following a welcome address by Dean Professor Dr. Marc Hassenzahl, Rector Professor Dr. Stefanie Reese addressed the guests in the ballroom as part of a message from the Rectorate. Professor Dr. Rhea Tamara Hoffmann then delivered the keynote address on the topic “Sustainability That Pays Off,” placing a topic of great social and scientific relevance at the center of the evening.

Following the keynote address, Dean Hassenzahl, assisted by PD Dr. Michael Gail, ceremonially presented the doctoral degrees to the graduates in attendance. A total of 14 early-career researchers had successfully completed their doctorates since the previous annual reception. Ten of them attended the ceremony in person, briefly presented their dissertation topics, and thereby provided insight into the diversity of research conducted at the School.

Another highlight of the event was the presentation of the research and early-career awards. Dr. Ronda Ringfort-Felner received the Rolf H. Brunswig Doctoral Award from the University of Siegen. The award was presented by Professor Dr. Peter Krebs and Heinz Meckel. Professor Dr. Peter Krebs presented the School’s Althusius Prize for Early-Career Researchers to Dr. Jenny Darlene Hindrichs.

Junior Professor Dr. Jascha-Alexander Koch and Mohammad Saiful Islam were honored with the Dr. Wolfgang Dieter Lange Research Prize. Professor Dr. Arnd Wiedemann presided over the award ceremony, while Professor Dr. Stefan Klein paid tribute to the recipients in a video laudation. Dr. Ann-Christin Grözinger and Alina Jekel received the University of Siegen Prize for the Promotion of Early-Career Researchers from the Freie Rohrwerke Siegen Foundation. Dr. Jens Jacobs presented the award.

Once again this year, the Schools recognized outstanding achievements in teaching. Professor Dr. Rhea Tamara Hoffmann received the student award for best teaching in the 2026 academic year. Henrietta Doherty presented the award and honored the recipient in a personal laudatory speech. Professor Dr. Giuseppe Strina, Associate Dean for Teaching, served as the emcee for the awards ceremony. As a result, Professor Hoffmann took center stage twice that evening: as the keynote speaker and as the recipient of the award for outstanding teaching.

Christian Schmidt provided musical accompaniment on the piano during the academic ceremony. Following Dean Hassenzahl’s closing remarks, the 20th Annual Reception concluded with a convivial get-together. In a pleasant atmosphere, the guests took the opportunity to engage in personal conversations and exchange ideas among representatives from academia, business, and society.