Former LMU president receives Bavaria’s highest honor

Markus Söder had already announced at the celebrations in June to mark the anniversary of LMU’s foundation that Huber would receive this order. Now the award has been formally conferred. “Receiving the Bavarian Maximilian Order is an extraordinary honor for me. I’m truly delighted – and genuinely proud,” said Huber, who led LMU for 23 years, first as rector and then as president.

In his tribute, Minister-President Söder praised Huber’s outstanding contributions to the development of LMU and to the German academic landscape. As a distinguished economist, noted Söder, Huber has demonstrated both scholarly depth and societal relevance in his research on public finance, government debt, and labor markets. Under his leadership, LMU became a University of Excellence, achieved top places in international rankings, and established itself as a magnet for researchers from around the world.

According to Söder, Bernd Huber embodies academic integrity, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the social responsibility of universities. He has been a tone-setting figure for scholarship, teaching, and innovation – in Bavaria and beyond.

Professor Matthias Tschöp, president of the LMU, congratulated his predecessor and honored his achievements: “A well-deserved award! Under Bernd Huber, LMU became a university of excellence and a research-oriented institution that ranks among the world's best. He has left a lasting mark on LMU.”

Minister-President Söder honored all the recipients in the following terms: “A strong Bavaria thrives on strong individuals! Today, in the Antiquarium hall of the Munich Residence, we awarded the Bavarian Maximilian Order to nine distinguished men and women in recognition of their exceptional achievements in science and the arts. They have all set new standards – excellence at its finest!

It is both a pleasure and a great honor to present this award to scientists and artists who have rendered outstanding service to Bavaria: Professor Georg Ertl (cardiologist), Professor Bernd Huber (economist and former president of LMU), Professor Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla (biologist), Professor Jörg Vogel (biologist and director of the Helmholtz Institute), Professor Ulrich Walter (scientist and astronaut), actress Martina Gedeck, photographer Herlinde Koelbl, publicist Rachel Salamander, and composer Ralph Siegel.

Science and culture hold a special place in Bavaria. That is why we continue to invest wholeheartedly in these fields—even in challenging times. We owe the new recipients of the order our gratitude and deepest respect. They are true role models for our state!”

The Bavarian Maximilian Order for Science and Art is the highest honor awarded by the Free State of Bavaria for these endeavors. It was established in 1853 by King Maximilian II and reinstated in 1980 after a long hiatus. The order recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Bavaria’s scientific or artistic life. As the number of living recipients is limited to 100, it is always a select group. The award is bestowed by the Minister-President in recognition of extraordinary achievements that resonate far beyond Bavaria’s borders.