Professor Albrecht Beutelspacher Awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Siegen
“Roughly Speaking,” “A Celebration of Zero,” and “Beauty Through Order”—these are three titles of the many columns Prof. Albrecht Beutelspacher has published in recent years. They demonstrate just how passionate the scholar is about inspiring people to embrace mathematics. “He succeeds in this in an impressive way,” explained Prof. Dr. Rainer Danckwerts of the University of Siegen. But there are far more reasons than simply the “popularization of mathematics” why the professor from Giessen was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Siegen on the Emmy Noether Campus. For his reputation as a scientist is outstanding. “The university administration and the entire university community are delighted to welcome you into the small but distinguished circle of our honorary doctors,” said Prof. Franz-Josef Klein, Prorector for Teaching, Teacher Education, and Lifelong Learning. The dean of the Department of Mathematics, Prof. Gregor Nickel, emphasized this: “The Department of Mathematics considers itself fortunate to be able to honor Albrecht Beutelspacher, a person who is equally distinguished by scientific brilliance, outstanding communication skills, and social responsibility.”
“The fact that my work has an impact, that it benefits people and brings them joy, is the most rewarding thing for me,” said Beutelspacher, a professor of geometry and discrete mathematics at Justus Liebig University in Giessen. “The fact that my work is now being recognized in this distinguished way makes me very happy.” Danckwerts and Beutelspacher are collaborating with Professor Gregor Nickel on the joint project “Rethinking Mathematics” between the universities of Siegen and Giessen—funded by the Deutsche Telekom Foundation—to redefine the training of high school mathematics teachers. The goal of the project is to integrate academic mathematics, school mathematics, the history and philosophy of mathematics, and the didactics of mathematics from the very beginning of the program. A unique feature of the project is the inclusion of the interactive mathematics museum founded by Beutelspacher—the Mathematikum in Giessen.
The reviewers commissioned by the University of Siegen praise “his vital creative energy as an internationally renowned scientist.” Quotes such as “inexhaustible energy,” “masterful use of his tools,” and “an ambassador for mathematics far beyond the boundaries of the scientific community” are particularly noteworthy. Prof. Danckwerts explains: “Through his person and work, mathematical, mathematics education, and societal ways of thinking are brought together in a unique way.”
Prof. Beutelspacher himself looks beyond the day of his honor: “The collaboration on the ‘Mathematik Neu Denken’ project will, of course, continue.” Together, the project team is writing a book to make the experiences and insights from “Mathematik Neu Denken” widely accessible.
In its nearly 40-year history, the University of Siegen has awarded a total of 27 honorary doctorates.