Max-Weber-Kolleg celebrates four times over: research building, 25th anniversary, doctoral graduates and awarding of the order give cause for celebration

After the opening words by the President of the University of Erfurt, Prof. Dr. Walter Bauer-Wabnegg, and the symbolic handing over of the keys, the doors of the new research building "World Relations" opened for the first time at 12 noon for the members of the Kolleg. Many went excitedly to explore the ground floor to see the new modern offices or took part in one of the guided tours of the building.

On the occasion of the anniversary year, Prof. Dr. Hartmut Rosa, Director of the Max-Weber-Kolleg, opened the subsequent celebrations with some retrospective words on 25 years of Kolleg history: "The first 25 years of the Kolleg were marked by a significant expansion and diversification, in terms of content and personnel. Four directors - Wolfgang Schluchter, Hans Joas, Wolfgang Spickermann and myself in collaboration with Jörg Rüpke - each set their own accents. Central to all phases, however, was the togetherness that characterises a Kolleg, the formal and informal contacts, discussions and encounters that enriched all members academically and personally."

The first 25 years of the Kolleg were documented in an anniversary brochure. In it, the experiences of the former directors, impressions of former fellows and junior researchers, some statistical data and ideas for the future of the Max-Weber-Kolleg can be read.

Afterwards, the awarding of the doctoral hats for dissertations completed at the Max-Weber-Kolleg in the years 2022-2023 took place. A total of eight doctoral students came to receive their doctoral hats: Sisi Sung, Clemens Villinger, Tanja Višić, Michael Rösser, Winfried Kumpitsch, Ramón Soneira Martínez, Gabriel Malli and Lukas Meisner.  
In times of Corona, it was not possible to receive a doctor's hat in person, so everyone was happy to be able to experience this nice ritual again. "As the religious scholars know, such rituals are important to strengthen the community, to symbolically represent the value of such an academic step and also to create an opportunity to celebrate together," Hartmut Rosa emphasised.

Another highlight of the day followed immediately afterwards: Prof. Dr Susanne Rau, Professor of History and Cultures of Spaces in Modern Times at the University of Erfurt and member of the Max-Weber-Kolleg, was awarded the insignia of a "Chevalier des Palmes académiques" by Thomas Guibert, First Counsellor of the French Embassy, on behalf of the French Minister of Science - one of the highest awards in France for merit in education. After Susanne Rau's words of thanks, the reception - with Champagne, croissants and French cheese, of course - flowed smoothly into this year's Max-Weber-Kolleg summer festival. The eventful day came to a cosy end with delicacies from the grill, live music from the band „The Superwisers“ (consisting of members of the Kolleg) as well as lively exchanges and games in bright sunshine.

The Max-Weber-Kolleg would like to thank all participants for their great support on this successful day.