The award ceremony at the Archaeological Museum was opened with words of welcome from Dean Christoph Spötl, who emphasized the importance of outstanding achievements in research and teaching and thanked the students for their excellent work. Dean of Studies Gertraud Meißl and Vice-Rector for Teaching and Students, Janette Walde, were also present and congratulated the award-winning academics. Many guests from science, administration and studies from various areas of the faculty accepted the invitation.
Award-winning dissertations
The prize for the best dissertations went to Ariana Molenaar and Bernhard Grüner. Molenaar dedicated her doctoral thesis to paleoseismology and analyzed sediments worldwide to investigate earthquake-related changes. In addition to her research work, she led the science communication project “Tiefer Sehen”, in which students were actively involved in geoscientific field research. Grüner impressed the jury with a geographical longitudinal study on so-called lifestyle mobility in the rural Alpine region. His work examines how voluntary migration from the city can contribute to the sustainable development of peripheral mountain regions.
Best master's thesis
Stephanie Benischke received the award for the best master's thesis for her geoscientific analysis of Andean geology in southern Chile. Her work combined sophisticated field research with intercultural competence and a clear geological focus. Stephanie Benischke is currently a freelance geologist and is working on the implementation of an interactive geological trail in the Rofan Mountains.
First prize for excellent teaching
The Faculty Teaching Prize, which is now awarded every two years for special commitment to teaching, was awarded for the first time this year. The laudatory speeches for those honored in this area were delivered by the students themselves. The Eart Sciences award was presented to Clifford Patten. Patten impressed with his ability to link theoretical content with practical examples, his empathetic manner and his high didactic quality. He is regarded as a mentor who also provides guidance beyond the subject matter and is therefore a role model in academic teaching.
