Stefan Gillessen Receives the Von Seeliger Award as Best Lecturer

For his lecture on black holes in the master’s program in astrophysics at LMU, MPE researcher Stefan Gillessen has been awarded the Von Seeliger Prize for best lecturer.

Students in the Master’s program in Astrophysics at LMU Munich have awarded Dr. Stefan Gillessen, a researcher in the Infrared Group at MPE, the prestigious Von Seeliger Prize for outstanding teaching.

The Von Seeliger Prize is named after Hugo von Seeliger, the third director of the University Observatory Munich (USM), who is regarded as a mentor to luminaries of astronomy such as Karl Schwarzschild, Heinrich Vogt, and Friedrich Hopmann. The prize is awarded annually by the master’s student representatives on behalf of the student body to honor lecturers and tutors who have had an outstanding impact on their academic experience.

Dr. Gillessen received the award for his lecture “Black Holes: Theory and Observations,” with students consistently praising his comprehensive and well-structured lectures. Beyond the content, students highlighted his attentiveness and willingness to answer questions carefully, thereby creating an inclusive learning environment where every voice is heard.

“In the lecture, I tried to impart genuine understanding to the students, and understanding brings joy,” says Stefan Gillessen. “That seems to have resonated, and I feel honored to receive this award.”