Dear DGM members and readers,

It is important to us to recognize outstanding contributions to materials science and engineering. To us, "knowledge creation" means much more than gaining insights into our discipline. It promotes professional exchange, inspires new ideas, and provides impetus for addressing the big questions of our time. Recognizing scientific achievements is crucial for making research visible and understandable, and it establishes a foundation for developing forward-looking solutions together.

In this issue, we are pleased to introduce the winners of the 2025 DGM Awards. This year, twelve individuals will be honored. They embody the diversity and strength of our community, exemplifying excellence in scientific research, unwavering dedication to nurturing young talent, and the successful transfer of knowledge into industrial applications. Each laudatory speech sheds light on their extraordinary achievements, building anticipation for meeting them in person at the DGM-Tag 2025 on 22 and 23 October in Chemnitz and online.

We are pleased to announce the following honors this year:

• DGM Honorary Membership: Prof. Dr. Reinhard Pippan (Interview and Laudatory Speech) and Ms. Heide-Marie Dietel (Interview and Laudatory Speech)
• Heyn Commemorative Medal: Prof. Dr. Jörg Weißmüller (Interview and Laudatory Speech)
• International Tammann Medal: Prof. Dr. Eugen Rabkin (Interview and Laudatory Speech)
• DGM Award: Prof. Dr. Daniel Kiener (Interview and Laudatory Speech)
• DGM Pioneer: Dr.-Ing. Dirk Bettge (Interview and Laudatory Speech)
• Masing Memorial Prize: Dr.-Ing. Oliver Renk (Interview and Laudatory Speech)

• Georg Sachs Prize: Dr.-Ing. Hanka Becker (Interview and Laudatory Speech)

   

In addition, the DGM honors young talent every year with its Young Scientist Award. This award is an expression of our recognition for outstanding academic and research achievements by up-and-coming scientists. We are proud to honor four brilliant minds this year:

• Dr.-Ing. Liuliu Han (Interview and Laudatory Speech)
• Dr.-Ing. Alexander Koch (Interview and Laudatory Speech)
• Dr.-Ing. Julia Richter (Interview and Laudatory Speech)
• Dr.-Ing. Swathi Naidu Vakamulla Raghu (Interview and Laudatory Speech)
   

The DGM warmly congratulates all of the 2025 award winners. Your commitment, creativity, and scientific excellence greatly enrich our professional community.

We hope you find this an inspiring read, and we look forward to welcoming you in person at DGM-Tag 2025!