Honor for Prof. Thiele: Medal for special services awarded in Poznań

Honor for Prof. Thiele: Medal for special services awarded in Poznań

On March 14, 2025, a ceremony was held in Poznań to award the medal “For Services to Adam Mickiewicz University” to Prof. Dr. Carmen Thiele. This award recognizes her remarkable scientific and educational collaboration with the Adam Mickiewicz University (AMU), particularly at the Collegium Polonicum in Słubice. Prof. Thiele, who holds an adjunct professorship for international law, Eastern law and comparative law, made a decisive contribution to the organization of the German-Polish law studies at the Collegium Polonicum and was involved in the founding of the School for German Law, reports European University Viadrina.

The ceremony was led by key representatives of AMU, including Vice Rector Prof. Zbyszko Melosik, who presented the medal. The dean and vice dean of the Viadrina Faculty of Law as well as scientists from the Collegium Polonicum were also present. During the ceremony, Prof. Thiele's extensive contribution to international academic collaboration and her outstanding scientific achievements were recognized. She herself described the award as a great honor and expressed her anticipation of the continuation of German-Polish cooperation.

Academic career and research interests

Prof. Dr. Carmen Thiele studied international law in Moscow and, after graduating in 1982, began teaching as a law professor in Cuba. In 1991 she returned to Frankfurt (Oder) and was appointed the city's immigration representative. In 1993 she joined the European University Viadrina as a research assistant, where she received her doctorate in 1998 and completed her habilitation in 2007. She was appointed associate professor in 2012.

In her academic work, Prof. Thiele focuses on international law, human rights protection and Eastern European law. Their influence is enormous, not least through the publication of the discussion paper “The criterion of Citizenship for Minorities: The example of Estonia”, which appeared in 1999. In it she calls for the abolition of citizenship criteria for national minorities at the European level. The dissertation she wrote on the right to self-determination and minority protection in Estonia stands out through its analysis of forms of international law.

Context and meaning of the award

Prof. Thiele's award comes at a time when German-Polish relations are characterized by historical trauma and political tensions, which were further strained by the war in Ukraine. These contexts highlight the importance of scientific and cultural collaboration to promote mutual understanding. On January 10, 2024 there will also be a lecture by PD Dr. Agnieszka Pufelska at the European University Viadrina under the title “Dominance and Interdependence in German-Polish Relations”. The lecture addresses how historical factors influence the relationship between Germany and Poland and highlights ways to overcome past conflicts, reports European University Viadrina.

With her work and receipt of the medal “For Services to the Adam Mickiewicz University” Prof. Dr. Carmen Thiele represents an important pillar of the academic and cultural connections between Germany and Poland. Her achievements are not only recognized, but also actively contribute to strengthening relations between the two countries.