FAU Awards 2025: Honors for excellence and sustainable projects

FAU Awards 2025: Honors for excellence and sustainable projects

On October 28, 2025, it was that time again: The Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) presented the coveted FAU Awards as part of the Dies academicus. This award is not only a sign of recognition for outstanding achievements, but also a visible sign of the university's appreciation for its committed members, be it in research, teaching or in supporting students.

Particularly noteworthy are the honorary senators of the year. Peter Kurz, an entrepreneur with many years of commitment to FAU, receives this award for his support of Germany scholarships and his support of study programs in materials science and chemical engineering. Xue Hong Dong-Geis, who has supported the Erlangen University Hospital and FAU with generous donations for 19 years, will also be honored. She pays particular attention to cancer research and the promotion of economics.

Laureate awarded

But the awards not only include honors, but also prizes for innovative projects. Two outstanding initiatives received the Renate Wittern Sterzel Prize 2025: the project “Making Maternity Protection Laboratory Visible,” which sets up a room for pregnant and breastfeeding scientists, and “Deconstructing Comics in a Racism-Critical Way,” which aims to develop didactic concepts for schools. Furthermore, Yifan Bo, a talented doctoral student in physical chemistry, was awarded the Hans Wilhelm and Helga Schüßler Prize. Her H-index of 9 speaks for her above-average academic achievements.

Another highlight of the award ceremony was the honoring of Ali Elkholey with the DAAD Prize 2025. The bachelor's graduate in nanotechnology wrote his master's thesis with top grades and is therefore seen as a role model for many students. The FAU Medal of Merit 2025 also went to outstanding personalities: Professors Renate Wittern-Sterzel and Jürgen Schüttler were recognized for their significant influence on medical education and for their pioneering work in the area of ​​gender equality.

Academic excellence in focus

The university's flagship projects demonstrate the focus on sustainability and innovative education. The Sustainability Prize 2025 was awarded to various projects, including the bachelor's degree program "GeoSustainability" and the project "Strengthening Local Alliances". These initiatives not only provide a valuable learning experience but also promote sustainable awareness among students.

But FAU doesn't just shine in the academic area; Sport also plays a central role. Caden Veltkamp, ​​the redshirt junior quarterback of the thriving Florida Atlantic University (FAU) football team, is under pressure. In order to maintain his chances of participating in the bowl game, he will have to improve his performance, as the last few games have been marked by some challenges. With a critical acuity in analyzing the game situation, it becomes clear that his mobility and attack on Navy's defense could be crucial to end the losing streak and start collecting points again. What remains particularly noticeable is that Veltkamp has repeatedly struggled with interceptions in the last three games, and the running plays are also under pressure. Gemari Sands is unfit and Kaden Shields-Dutton lacks support when facing tough defensive lines.

The coming games could be crucial for Veltkamp and the team. Receivers Easton Messer, Jay Platt and Asaad Waseem will be required to break away from the Navy defense and increase their chances of winning the game. The development in the running game also remains exciting; an improvement could bring the entire team forward.

FAU therefore faces major challenges and opportunities in both the academic and sporting areas. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop for the football team and what impetus the university's award-winning projects will provide for the future.