The "University Teacher of the Year" award, which comes with prize money of 10,000 euros, will go to Chemnitz psychologist Bertolt Meyer in 2024. On Wednesday, Lambert Koch, President of the German Association of University Professors and Lecturers, explained that his research focuses on the fusion of humans and technology as well as diversity.
Meyer's life story and research fields are closely interwoven. "He himself was born without a left forearm, wears a bionic prosthesis and helped to develop a high-end artificial limb for his hobby as a DJ," explained Koch. He is also an important communicator and moderates various science formats.
The prize has been awarded annually since 2006 by the association - a professional organization of scientists with more than 33,000 members, according to its own information. Previous winners include the virologist Christian Drosten, the economist Hans-Werner Sinn, the founders of the biotechnology company Biontech, Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci, and the marine biologist Antje Boetius.
The prize is awarded to researchers who have promoted the reputation of their profession in the public eye through exceptional commitment. The award is to be presented to Meyer at a gala in Berlin on March 25.
He received congratulations from the top of Chemnitz University of Technology on Wednesday. Rector Gerd Strohmeier spoke of a "great honor" and Meyer's outstanding commitment. "This is by no means only evident in the areas of research and teaching, but also in the areas of transfer, diversity and inclusion - areas that are of outstanding importance at Chemnitz University of Technology as a whole." Meyer holds the Chair of Work, Organizational and Business Psychology in Chemnitz.
Copyright 2023, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
