Ceremonial farewell to the graduates of the Department of Physics

Last Friday, 8 May 2026, the Department of Physics held a ceremonial send-off for the graduates of the past academic year.

This year, the Dean of Studies, Prof. Vojislav Krstić, welcomed Dr. Bernhard “Bernd” Montag, CEO of Siemens Healthineers AG, as a special guest. He himself studied physics at FAU and returned that evening to his alma mater. In an entertaining address, Dr. Montag shared a wealth of memories, anecdotes and reflections, as well as recommendations for the future, with the graduates in attendance.

The Dean of Studies, Prof. Krstić, together with Prof. Hansmann and the Head of Department, Prof. Schneider, presented the ceremonial certificates.

Another highlight was the presentation of the Department of Physics’ Ohm Prizes to the awardees, who this year, for the first time, presented their research topics in a short talk.

This year’s Award for Good Teaching went to Prof. Mecke for his lecture “Theoretical Physics 4 for Teaching Degree – Electrodynamics” in the summer semester 2025, and to Prof. van Eldik for his lecture “Experimental Physics 5: Nuclear and Particle Physics” in the winter semester 2025/2026.

Prof. Hansmann received the 2025 Prize for Special Commitment to Teaching from the FSI Mathe/Physik/DS student association.

To conclude, Prof. Krstić once again addressed the graduates and their guests with a speech peppered with small physics experiments.

The live music of the band Niglas T. Flimm once again contributed to the festive atmosphere, accompanying the event.

At a standing reception with refreshments and many interesting conversations, the graduates and their guests rounded off the evening in a relaxed manner and made use of the alumni association’s photo service for numerous keepsake photos.

The FAU LMQ was also in attendance and extends its warmest congratulations to all graduates on their degrees.