Distinctions for Reinhard Genzel

“This distinction marks the recognition of the excellence of Reinhard Genzel’s work in several areas of astrophysics,” stated Claude Catala, President of the Obseratoire de Paris. “In particular, his outstanding achievements in the study of the Galactic Centre and of the role of central black holes in galactic evolution have improved considerably our understanding of these matters.” In addition, Genzel was honoured for his leading activity in fostering and maintaining a longstanding tradition of collaboration between German and French teams, as well as his prominent role in many key instruments involving both Germany and France, and in particular with the Observatoire de Paris. The celebration ceremony took place on 13 November at the University of Paris.

On 6 October at the Schloss Bellevue, German federal President Joachim Gauck honoured 37 German citizens with the Order of Merit, for achievements in the political, economic, social or intellectual realm and for all kinds of outstanding services to the nation in the field of social, charitable or philanthropic work. The Order of Merit was founded in 1951 by Federal President Theordor Heuss and “is intended to mean an award for all those whose work contributes to the peaceful rise of the Federal Republic of Germany.”