New professorships and awards: Münster celebrates scientific success!

New professorships and awards: Münster celebrates scientific success!

The University of Münster can look back on an eventful month, in which both personnel changes and important awards were in the foreground. On July 1, 2025, many new achievements and developments were announced that not only enrich the university's academic landscape but also support future research projects.

Particularly noteworthy is the appointment of Prof. Katharina Felka as Professor of “Philosophy with a focus on theoretical philosophy” at the Philosophical Seminar in the Department of History and Philosophy. Significant changes were also made to the physics department. This is how Prof. Dr. Uwe Thiele as dean and Prof. Dr. Stefan Heusler elected vice dean. These new leadership positions could significantly influence the direction of physics research and teaching at the university. In addition, Prof. Dr. Nora Markard has been the new co-director of the Käte Hamburger College “Unity and Diversity in Law” since June 1st, which indicates the increased interdisciplinary cooperation between the faculties.

Prizes and awards

This month, the University of Münster not only created new academic positions, but also presented significant awards. Dr. Susanne Meinert, who was honored for her outstanding research to support the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illnesses, received the publication award from the Else Kröner Fresenius Foundation, the University Society's sponsorship award and the “Rising Star” award from the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology. The total prize money is an impressive 17,000 euros. Also Dr. Karol Kovařík from the Institute for Theoretical Physics was honored with the 2025 Teaching Prize from the Physics Department.

In law, Eugen Steinbeis was awarded an honorary doctorate for his services to the protection of the constitution and the development of modern legal academic communication. In 2009 he founded the “Verfassungsblog”, which has developed into an important platform for legal debates.

Bereavement at the university

The University of Münster mourns several of its members who died last month. In particular, Prof. Dr. Rudolf Aumann, a renowned professor at the organic chemistry institute, will be remembered. He died on May 14th at the age of 84. Other members the university mourns include Dr. Harald Frenz and Prof. Dr. Rolf Wiermann, both of whom have actively contributed to the academic community.

Expanded research funding

Another significant event for the university is the opportunity for funding through ERC grants, which provide extensive support for future research projects. The European Research Council (ERC) has established various funding lines, including the ERC Advanced Grants for established scientists with an outstanding track record, the IPO grants for young scientists and the Proof of Concept Grants for scientists who have already received ERC grants. These funding programs enable researchers at the University of Münster to advance innovative projects, including the projects of Univ.-Prof. Dr. Lydia Sorokin and Dr. Seraphine Valeska Wegner.

Overall, the current development at the University of Münster shows a clear focus on research, teaching and innovative approaches both within the faculties and beyond. The combination of new appointments, awards and bereavements illustrates the dynamic and vibrant community that shapes and supports this university.

The information mentioned has been obtained from various relevant sources including uni-muenster.de, das-wissen.de and medizin.uni-muenster.de.