Dr. Claudia Funke from the Institute of Experimental Physics was awarded the Julius Weisbach Preis 2024  as part of the ceremony for the awarding of academic degrees at TU Bergakademie Freiberg on 2 November 2024. The prize honours her exceptional commitment to teaching in recent years, with a particular focus on the challenges and successes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her innovative approach of combining classroom teaching with interactive online elements and practice-oriented components was recognised, thus motivating students in particular.

The Julius Weisbach Prize, awarded by the TU Bergakademie Freiberg and donated by the Association of Friends and Sponsors of the TU Bergakademie Freiberg, is awarded annually for special and exemplary commitment to teaching (best practice). The aim of the award is to recognise exceptional achievements by university lecturers, lecturers and academic staff who set standards through their commitment.

The prize is named after Julius Weisbach (1806–1871), an important professor at TU Bergakademie Freiberg who was a pioneer in the fields of applied mathematics, mining engineering and mine surveying. Weisbach left his mark on the university through his excellent lectures and the development of high-quality teaching materials and is still recognised today as an outstanding educator.

The award also emphasises the particular challenges that lecturers face in everyday academic life. In addition to their research work, they are increasingly required to fulfil bureaucratic and political demands. Nevertheless, teaching forms the basis for the education of future generations, who, through technological progress and social responsibility, should ensure the continued existence and further development of society and contribute to the preservation of democracy. Good teaching, as exemplified by Dr. Funke, motivates students, strengthens their confidence and commitment and contributes to their general satisfaction and enjoyment of learning and teaching.

The Institute of Experimental Physics warmly congratulates Dr. Funke and thanks her for her outstanding commitment.