"Today, TU Bergakademie Freiberg is more international than ever - and we can see that among our future alumni! In addition to a large group from Ukraine, students from India, China and Iran as well as from various European countries enrolled here," said the Rector of TU Bergakademie Freiberg, welcoming the graduates. "As international specialists in research, industry and business, they are therefore working all over the world. We are proud of this and support the internationals' commitment to the university with an alumni ambassador programme currently consisting of 39 international ambassadors," said Prof. Klaus-Dieter Barbknecht.

184 people were awarded a Bachelor's, Master's or Diplom degree from the Faculty of Geosciences, Geotechnical Engineering and Mining, 149 from the Faculty of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering, 115 from the Faculty of Economics and 94 from the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology. The graduates obtained their degrees between 1 October 2022 and 30 September 2023.

56 graduates with a doctorate or habilitation

Of the 56 graduates, i.e. doctoral and habilitated junior researchers, one third are female (period of doctorate between January and September 2023). 17 researchers came to Freiberg from abroad to obtain their doctorate. The 14 countries of origin of the graduates are evenly distributed across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

A special honour was bestowed on eleven people who received their doctorate this year: They will receive a personalised medal with a historical imprint and the inscription "To Encourage Diligence" for completing the doctoral process with the grade summa cum laude (with distinction).

One of the honourees has habilitated in the field of geosciences. She has now achieved a qualification that will enable her to pursue an academic career.

Eight other people were honoured with prizes at the event.

The best graduates from the six faculties are traditionally honoured with the Georgius Agricola Medal from the Association of Friends and Sponsors of TU Bergakademie Freiberg. The prize, named after the humanist and mining scholar Georgius Agricola, is awarded annually for outstanding academic achievements and honourable commitment and is endowed with 250 euros. This year, students Rico Hager and Lucas Neubert and students Undine Fleischmann, Selina Grundel, Laura Mundel and Claudia Peuker will receive the prize.

Julius Weisbach Prize for good teaching

Junior Professor Conrad Jackisch and Dr Mykhaylo Motylenko will receive the Julius Weisbach Prize, which is also donated by the Association of Friends and Sponsors of TU Bergakademie Freiberg, at the ceremony. The two young researchers will be honoured for their outstanding achievements in teaching.

Promoting young scientists

The Graduate and Research Academy (GraFa), which celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2023, supports young scientists at TU Bergakademie Freiberg. The institution emerged from the DAAD-funded international doctoral programme "Doctorate at Universities in Germany" at TU Bergakademie Freiberg. Freiberg University was one of the first universities in Germany to establish such an institution. With its wide range of different further education courses and special programmes, its advisory and coaching services and events, GraFa is an important institution for preparing young academics for their future role as leaders.