17 Apr 2026
LMU congratulates its long-standing professor, Harald Lesch, on being awarded honorary citizenship, which was conferred upon him during a formal ceremony on April 16, 2026.
Harald Lesch is one of Germany’s most renowned astrophysicists and has been a defining figure at LMU for many years. Beyond his scientific work, he has made a name for himself above all as an outstanding communicator of complex concepts. Through television programs such as “Lesch’s Cosmos” and the widely viewed YouTube format “The Big Bang, the Universe, and Life,” he reaches an audience of millions and inspires people to take an interest in the natural sciences.
By granting him honorary citizenship, the City of Munich honors not only Lesch’s scientific achievements but also his great commitment to public education as well as to climate and environmental protection.
Professor Harald Lesch receives the certificate of honorary citizenship from Munich Mayor Dominik Krause.
© Michael Nagy / Presse- und Informationsamt Muenchen“LMU is proud to have in Harald Lesch a scientist who combines research, teaching, and social engagement in an outstanding way,” says LMU-President Professor Matthias Tschöp. “He brings science into the heart of our society with exceptional clarity and passion, and is at the same time an outstanding ambassador for our university.”
Lesch has received numerous awards, including the Bavarian Television Award, the German Television Award, and the Bavarian Maximilian Order for Science and Art.
With the presentation of the certificate, Harald Lesch becomes Munich’s 68th honorary citizen and one of the 19 living recipients of this special distinction.