Göttingen physicist Viola Priesemann receives prestigious price!

Göttingen physicist Viola Priesemann receives prestigious price!

Göttingen, Deutschland - On June 4, 2025, Prof. Dr. Viola Priesemann from the University of Göttingen awarded the renowned Madame de Staël Prize. The ceremonial award took place at the annual general assembly of the European Association of Academies of Sciences (Allea). The award was announced in December 2024.

"Prof. Priesemann has made decisive contributions that reflect the values ​​of the Madame de Staël Prize," emphasized Pawł Rowiński, President of Allea. Its commitment promotes science as a global asset, facilitates scientific cooperation and strengthens the influence of science in society. Priesemann is a professor of physics and group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization in Göttingen.

a pioneer in science

The research of Viola Priesemann focuses on living and artificial neuronal networks, especially on the topics of self -organization, learning and efficient coding. Your work has a significant impact on the understanding of social networks and the spread of information. Of particular note is her commitment in the young academy, where she actively contributes to science communication and participated in the publication of a guide for science communication in autumn 2024.

The Madame de Staël Prize is awarded annually to personalities who make outstanding contributions to the common values ​​of Europe and European integration. It is intended to promote the understanding of Europe as intellectual and openly and emphasize the relevance of exceptional scientific achievements for the European project. This price stands for a deeply rooted commitment to tolerance, mutual respect and compassion, especially in times when the cultural diversity of Europe is faced.

a new step for European science

Viola Priesemann was not only recognized for her scientific challenges during pandemic, but also for her ability to promote Pan-European cooperation in science, politics and public health. According to a selection commission, her role as coordinator of a research team that developed strategies for reducing pandemic is particularly emphasized. She initiated several publications, including a "Action Plan for Pan-European defense against new Sars-COV-2 variants".

With the Madame de Staël Prize, which was launched in 2014, Viola Priesemann is now honored as eleventh prize winner. The former award winners include prominent personalities such as Prof. Fabiola Gianotti and Koen Lenaerts. Allea itself now represents over 50 academies from all over Europe and is committed to science as a complete global asset by promoting international scientific cooperation.