Rainer Markgraf Prize for Prof. Dr. Stefan Leible

The decision has been made: the 2025 Rainer Markgraf Prize will be awarded to the President of the University of Bayreuth, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Stefan Leible. The Rainer Markgraf Foundation is taking the university's 50th anniversary as an opportunity to honour Stefan Leible with the foundation's prize. In doing so, the foundation is commemorating its own history and Stefan Leible's work in Bayreuth with regard to the University of Bayreuth.

Dr Gerhard Markgraf played a key role in the founding of the University of Bayreuth 50 years ago. For this reason, he was appointed Honorary Senator in 1986. His son Rainer was also committed to the University of Bayreuth, was a member of its Board of Trustees, and worked closely with Stefan Leible to implement forward-looking ideas for the region.

The press release explaining the selection of Prof. Dr. Stefan Leible states: ‘In recent years, Stefan Leible has not only rendered outstanding services to the University of Bayreuth. He has also helped to shape and influence new locations for science and research in the region.’ For example, Leible paved the way for the new Bavarian Science Centre for AI and SuperTech in Speinshart Monastery. Students and lecturers from all over the world meet there to exchange ideas. The Faculty of Life Sciences conducts research and teaches about food, nutrition, and health in Kulmbach, a new location for the University of Bayreuth. And since 2023, the University of Bayreuth has been operating the UBT Future Energy Lab Wunsiedel in collaboration with Stadtwerke Wunsiedel, a model for a digitalised, natural gas-independent, and carbon-neutral energy future. With innovative energy and passion, Stefan Leible is committed to connecting facilities and institutions with the University of Bayreuth and working together in partnership," the press release continues. His commitment to the Upper Franconia Medical Campus is exemplary. Stefan Leible understands how to anchor science and research in the region – in Upper Franconia and the Upper Palatinate.

With the 2025 Rainer Markgraf Prize, the foundation honours Stefan Leible's commitment, highlights the importance of the University of Bayreuth on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, and commemorates the Markgraf family of founders with their connections to the prize winner and the university. The Rainer Markgraf Prize will be presented in November during a ceremony at Villa Markgraf.