MUNICH/AUGSBURG: Bavaria's Science Minister Markus Blume today presented the Bavarian "Prize for Good Teaching" in Augsburg to 20 outstanding university lecturers from all over Bavaria. In addition, the recognition prize for exemplary teaching by lecturers was awarded for the first time. Markus Blume emphasised: "Good teaching is the heartbeat of science. Where teaching is committed and passionate, it generates curiosity, courage and vision. Excellent teaching is the basis for excellent research - one cannot thrive without the other. Science thrives on convincing communication. Congratulations to all our award winners - they are heroes of teaching and make the difference in the lecture theatre. With genuine dedication and impressive creativity, they achieve outstanding results: They convey their own enthusiasm and mould personalities."

Addressing the award winners, Minister Blume said: "They turn lecture theatres and seminar rooms into places of inspiration. Whether digital, interactive or particularly practical - good teaching is the compass for young talent. Above all, good teaching is sustainable teaching. Many of our award-winning lecturers demonstrate clever concepts on how artificial intelligence can be integrated into everyday teaching and learning so that real knowledge is gained. We are expanding this further. With our AI strategy for universities, we are strategically tapping into AI as a didactic resource of the future."

"Award for good teaching" as a sign of appreciation

The Science Minister emphasised: "We are sending a clear signal with our teaching awards: Teaching is on an equal footing with research. It is not an accessory, but the foundation of our academic system. Those who share knowledge multiply it - and that is precisely what we are honouring today. I am particularly pleased that this year, for the first time, we are able to award a separate prize for lecturers. Lecturers are a mainstay of our academic system: they bring valuable practical experience to teaching and ensure a unique diversity in our degree programmes. With the new recognition award, we are honouring their special commitment."

Premiere for new recognition award for lecturers

The "Prize for Good Teaching" is awarded to lecturers at state universities, universities of applied sciences and technical universities as well as art colleges across all types of higher education institutions. A total of 20 prizes are awarded: twelve at universities, six at universities of applied sciences and two at art colleges. As of this year, there is also a recognition prize for exemplary teaching by lecturers. The award is endowed with 5,000 euros each and recognises teaching concepts with a particularly innovative and exemplary character. The award winners are nominated by their home universities; students are also involved in the selection process.

This year's award ceremony was organised as part of the "Bavarian Day for Good Teaching" at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences in cooperation with the University of Augsburg, Kempten University of Applied Sciences and Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences.

The award winners of the year 2025

• PD Dr Philipp Arnold (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Faculty of Medicine)
• Stefanie Chabert (University of Passau, Faculty of Humanities and Cultural Studies)
• Andreas Eberl (University of Regensburg, Faculty of Mathematics)
• Dr Katharina Ebner (Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Faculty of Catholic Theology)
• Prof Dr Carolin Freier (Nuremberg Georg Simon Ohm University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences)
• Prof Dr Sibylle Gaisser (Ansbach University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Engineering)
• Prof Dr Andreas Kist (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Faculty of Engineering)
• Christian Kremitzl (Otto-Friedrich-University Bamberg, Faculty of Information Systems and Applied Computer Science)
• Prof. Dr Matthias Laub (Landshut University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Social Work)
• Prof Dr Alisa Machner (Technical University of Munich, School of Engineering and Design)
• Prof Dr Olivia Merkel (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy)
• Ole Müller (Academy of Fine Arts Munich)
• Prof Dr Martin Ott (University of Bayreuth, Faculty of Cultural Studies)
• Prof Dr Martina Otten (Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Sustainable Agricultural and Energy Systems)
• Prof Dr Martin Pohl (East Bavarian Technical University of Regensburg, Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics)
• Daniela Ruck (Würzburg University of Music)
• Dr Georgia Samaras (Technical University of Munich, School of Social Sciences and Technology)
• Prof. Dr Claudia Schäfle (Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Humanities)
• Prof Dr Klaus M. Schmidt (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Faculty of Economics)
• Dr Christiane Schmidt-Maiwald (University of Augsburg, Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences)

The winner of the Recognition Award for Lecturers 2025

• Victoria Riess (University of Passau, Faculty of Business and Economics

More information about Daniela Ruck:
Daniela Ruck is a lecturer for special tasks in elementary music education and vocal music practice. She is characterised by her outstanding professional expertise, particularly in vocal music-making practice, which she is constantly expanding through her own teaching experience and further training. Her teaching is structured, flexible and is rated very positively by students, which is reflected in excellent evaluation results. Ms Ruck is actively involved in the further development of degree programmes and contributes innovative, practical teaching concepts, for example by leading model classes with primary school children and supervising individual and group voice training. She combines practical artistic expertise with pedagogical reflection and scientifically sound didactics, promotes a reflective pedagogical attitude and supports students in their artistic development. Her commitment to team teaching and projects such as "EMP on Tour" emphasises her innovative strength and ability to cooperate. She also impresses with her differentiated and supportive feedback when supervising work placements. Overall, Daniela Ruck's high professional and pedagogical quality makes a significant contribution to the profile and quality of the degree programmes.

Source: Press release from the State Ministry of Science and the Arts