Order of Merit awarded to 13 committed personalities in Saxony

Order of Merit awarded to 13 committed personalities in Saxony

On June 17, 2025, the Saxon Order of Merit was awarded to a total of 13 outstanding personalities in the Dresden Residence Palace. In a ceremonial setting, State Parliament President Alexander Dierks presented the awards on behalf of Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer, who had been invited to Berlin at short notice. Among those honored is Professor Karl Leo, a leading scientist in the field of optoelectronics at the Technical University of Dresden.

The 64-year-old Karl Leo has held the professorship for optoelectronics since 1993 and heads the Dresden Integrated Center for Applied Physics and Photonic Materials (IAPP). He is particularly recognized for his pioneering work, particularly in the development of highly efficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). He is currently working on the development of organic semiconductor devices, including solar cells, transistors, sensors and biodegradable electronics.

Excellent personalities

The award of the Saxon Order of Merit honors exceptional commitment in various areas, including education, culture, science and social affairs. Other honorees include:

• Renate Stolze und Dorothea Langefeld (Plauen): Organisieren Bildungs- und Freizeitangebote für ältere Menschen.
• Karin Fünfstück (Elsterheide / OT Bergen): Pionierin der Sportakrobatik.
• Küf Kaufmann (Leipzig): Autor und Kabarettist, der sich für jüdisches Leben engagiert.
• Prof. Dr. Lothar Ungerer (Meerane): Ehemaliger Bürgermeister, der sich für wirtschaftliche Entwicklung einsetzt.
• Gerhard Müller (Esslingen/Dresden): Vorstand der Sparkassen-Versicherung Sachsen, fördert kulturelle Projekte.
• Frank Schott (Taucha): Engagiert sich für soziale Bildungsprojekte.
• Barbara Schönfeld (Chemnitz): Pflegemutter, die viele Kinder in schwierigen Lebenslagen betreute.

The Saxon Order of Merit is the highest state award of the Free State of Saxony, which has been awarded since 1997 and has been awarded 404 times to date. The order, which stands for outstanding services to the Free State of Saxony and its citizens, consists of a white eight-pointed cross enamelled on both sides with a green border and a gold frame. Commercial achievements or anniversaries do not lead to an award; rather, the achievements should benefit the common good.

The awarding of the Saxon Order of Merit is not only recognition for those honored, but also a symbol of the diverse commitments that take place in Saxony. Karl Leo's extensive research and entrepreneurial activity have provided significant impetus in the field of technology and innovation. He has founded eleven start-ups since 1999, including Novaled and Heliatek, and is co-founder of the “Organic Electronics Saxony” network.

In summary, the award of the Saxon Order of Merit reinforces the importance of commitment in science and beyond. The state coat of arms adorns the medal, which is worn around the neck by men and on a ribbon by women, and underlines the appreciation that the Free State of Saxony has for its deserving citizens. Further information about the award and the honorees can be found on the website of the Technical University of Dresden tu-dresden.de reported, as well as on the Sächsischen.de and in the Wikipedia for further context.