RWTH Awards IntSpire Prize
Ralf Weiskirchen supports scientists who are persecuted and threatened in their home country.
RWTH Aachen University has awarded its internal IntSpire prize to Professor Ralf Weiskirchen from the Chair of Molecular Pathobiochemistry – Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry. Professor Ute Habel, RWTH Vice-Rector for International Affairs, presented the award to Professor Weiskirchen at a small ceremony.
The IntSpire Prize was awarded for the first time in 2021. Every year, it now goes to employees, students, chairs, departments, institutes, or university facilities that are particularly committed to internationalization. The first prize winner was Professor Bernd Markert, head of the Chair of General Mechanics and Rector’s Delegate for Alumni. More than 12,000 students and 900 employees with an international background study and work at RWTH Aachen University, so embracing a welcoming international spirit is a fundamental feature of the institution.
Weiskirchen welcomed three scientists at his chair who were severely threatened and persecuted in their home country. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s Philipp Schwartz Initiative supports universities and research institutions in hosting those at risk. Weiskirchen's commitment goes well beyond integration in the work environment; he also helps researchers with family reunification and other bureaucratic hurdles.
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Presentation of the IntSpire prize to Professor Ralf Weiskirchen (center). The prize was presented to him by Professor Ute Habel (left), Vice-Rector for International Affairs at RWTH, and Henriette Finsterbusch, head of the University's International Office.