Gregor Aas Receives the Bavarian Constitutional Medal

“In this High House – the heart of democracy in Bavaria – we give centre stage to those people who, through their professional and especially voluntary contributions over the years, have earned recognition for fostering togetherness in our society, for acts of kindness, and for their care for others, near and far. These are people who make our country, our lives, and our world a little better. Today, we honour them with our highest award. We are grateful and proud – of you!” said Ilse Aigner, President of the Bavarian Parliament, during the ceremonial presentation of the Bavarian Constitutional Medal in Munich. The medal honours citizens who have made exceptional contributions to the realisation of the principles enshrined in Bavaria’s Constitution. Among this year’s laureates is Dr Gregor Aas, a researcher and educator who has left a lasting impact on the ÖBG of the University of Bayreuth and on people beyond the academic community who are interested in ecology and biodiversity.

For 26 years, Aas led the approximately 16-hectare garden featuring wild plants from all continents, located on the University of Bayreuth campus. A trained forestry scientist, Aas began his role at the ÖBG in August 1996 after conducting research in Zurich. From the outset, he was committed to making the ÖBG a vital space for the city and region, extending beyond academic research and teaching. He opened the garden to all visitors – and it remains free of charge to this day – transforming it into an educational hub beyond schools and universities, as well as a popular tourist attraction and local recreational area, welcoming over 100,000 visitors annually.

Diverse Educational and Discussion Events

The success of the ÖBG is also rooted in its wide range of educational programmes, which not only address biological topics but also provide an understanding of broader ecological connections and raise awareness of humanity’s impact within these systems. During his tenure as director, Aas enthusiastically led more than 300 thematic Sunday tours, each attracting up to 200 participants. Through these, he conveyed a comprehensive, systemic understanding of humans and their environmental behaviours, regardless of participants’ age or prior knowledge.

Aas also launched the Forest Controversies Forum, a format that extends far beyond the ÖBG’s original purpose as a university research facility. Since 2017, the forum has provided an annual platform for discussions among forestry and timber industry representatives, conservationists, and scientists. This year, more than 120 participants engaged in intensive discussions on the theme “Climate Change: Does the Forest Need New Trees?”. Beyond these educational and discussion formats, Aas regularly shares his expertise through lectures and advisory work for forest owners’ and forestry associations and continues to oversee the Climate Forest Bayreuth project.

Founding a Support Association

In 1998, Aas initiated the founding of the Freundeskreis ÖBG e. V. (Friends of the ÖBG), which aims to support the garden in fulfilling its roles for the university, the public, science, and research. Since its inception, Aas has tirelessly contributed to the association’s activities. The association now boasts over 700 members, a figure largely attributable to Aas’s active efforts to recruit and engage members. In 2024, the association honoured Aas by naming him an honorary member in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the ÖBG.

Gregor Aas consistently prioritised his commitment to the ÖBG over personal interests, often being the first to arrive and the last to leave, even on weekends, Sundays, and public holidays. For this longstanding voluntary dedication, he has now been awarded the Bavarian Constitutional Medal. “I accept this medal with deep gratitude, but as a representative of others. This recognition also belongs to the many contributors and the team at the Ecological-Botanical Garden of the University of Bayreuth, the dedicated members of the Freundeskreis ÖBG e. V., the Flora of Bayreuth working group, and all those who work with me on securing the future of our forests. Without their passion and commitment far beyond their required duties, the achievements during my time as director of the garden would not have been possible,” Aas said.