University of Tübingen marks start of the academic year and celebrations for 550th anniversary

Some 5,200 new students begin the 2026/27 winter semester – University Prize presented to city of Tübingen – Teaching and Student Commitment awards for outstanding projects

President Karla Pollmann at the official launch of winter semester 2026/27 and the celebrations for the University of Tübingen’s 550th anniversary.

With the Dies Universitatis on Wednesday and the welcome ceremony for first-year students on Thursday, the University of Tübingen kicked off both the 2026–27 academic year and the celebrations marking the University’s 550th anniversary. In her address at the Dies Universitatis, University President, Professor Karla Pollmann, said the anniversary was more than just an opportunity to look back on the history. “Reflecting on 550 years of the University of Tübingen also challenges us ask what scholarship means in the present day and to think about its responsibilities for the future. That is why we have chosen ‘The value of knowledge’ as the theme for our anniversary year.”

In a video message, the President of the German Research Foundation, Professor Katja Becker, highlighted the role of universities in democracy. She noted that they provide a unique space for dis-cussing issues related to research, society, culture, and politics. “The University of Tübingen exem-plifies all of this par excellence, with its outstanding significance for the city, the entire region, and, thanks to its international influence, for Germany as a center of scientific and academic research,” said Becker.

In his video message, the head of the German Science Council, Professor Wolfgang Wick, emphasized the importance of dialogue between academia and the wider society. In light of current developments, he said, the value of academic knowledge is greater than ever. “Universities like Tübingen make the benefits of knowledge tangible; they promote accessibility and engage in dialogue with people, including those outside our immediate academic circle.”

“The University is far more than just a place where knowledge is imparted,” said Johannes Schwörer, president of the Reutlingen Chamber of Industry and Commerce, in his welcoming remarks in the Neue Aula auditorium. “It is a driving force for the future, a hub of academic excellence, and a key part of the region’s international reputation. It takes Tübingen and the Neckar-Alb region far beyond their physical borders and out into the world.”

The symbol of a special partnership: President Karla Pollmann and Boris Palmer, Mayor of Tübingen, with the University Prize for the city.

University Prize for a centuries-long partnership

As part of the Dies Universitatis celebrations, the University honored its special partnership with the city of Tübingen. Since the University’s founding in 1477, it has been an integral part of the town, and over the centuries, a shared identity has developed. So today there is close collaboration between the city and University authorities. In recognition and appreciation of this bond, which has grown over more than five centuries, as well as for an outstanding commitment to knowledge, education, and society, the University of Tübingen is awarding the 2026 University Prize to the town of Tübingen.

“The history of our University is also the history of a city that has not only been home to scholarship but has supported and helped shape it,” said President Pollmann. “The value of knowledge does not grow behind walls. It arises where the University and the wider society meet. The city of Tübingen has provided a space for this for 550 years.”

Mayor Boris Palmer accepted the award from President Karla Pollmann. “I see the award as recogni-tion of a special collaboration and symbiosis. The city and the University have shaped each other across generations,” said Palmer.

Excellent teaching (left to right): Dr. Tjark Müller, Dr. Frank Papenmeier and Gerrit Anders received the 2026 Teaching Prize, along with their colleague Dr. Tobias Rebholz (not shown). Professor Karin Amos, Vice-President for Teaching and Learning, presented the award to the Department of Psychology team.

Professor Karin Amos, Vice-President for Teaching and Learning, presented the Student Commit-ment Prize to AIAS e. V., represented by Lars Neumann and Lea Banhardt. — Professor Karin Amos, Vice-President for Teaching and Learning, presented the Student Commitment Prize to AIAS e. V., represented by Lars Neumann and Lea Banhardt.

Awards for innovative teaching and social involvement

Professor Karin Amos, Vice President for Teaching and Learning, presented the 2026 Teaching Prize on Wednesday during the Dies ceremony and, on Thursday, the University of Tübingen’s Student Commitment Prize during the welcome ceremony for newly enrolled students. This year’s Teaching Prize was presented to Dr. Frank Papenmeier, Dr. Tjark Müller, Dr. Tobias Rebholz, and Gerrit Anders from the Department of Psychology for their development of the AI-powered “R-Tutor.” The project supports psychology students in independently acquiring programming skills for data analysis, promotes reflective learning with artificial intelligence, and prevents learning processes from being completely outsourced to AI. This year’s Student Commitment Prize was presented to the student association AIAS Tübingen for its efforts to register stem cell donors.

The University of Tübingen Teaching Prize has been awarded annually since 2007; and the Commitment Prize for outstanding involvement by students since 2010. The award winners are selected by the Academic Affairs Senate Committee. The prize money, of 5,000 euros for the Teaching Prize and 1,500 euros for the Student Commitment Prize, is provided by the Association of Friends of the University of Tübingen (Universitätsbund).

The 2026 Teaching Prize project

Artificial intelligence has become part of everyday student life. Whether this is for better or for worse depends in part on the instructors. In their project “Using Generative AI as a Tutor to Teach R Programming Skills for Data Analysis,” Dr. Frank Papenmeier, Dr. Tjark Müller, Dr. Tobias Rebholz, and Gerrit Anders are addressing this challenge for the Department of Psychology. They developed an AI-based tutor that supports students in independently mastering the basics of programming, thereby preventing the uncritical use of AI. The “R Tutor” has since become an integral part of R programming instruction in the Department.

With the support of the AI tutor, students learn the basics of programming independently. Through a special chat interface, they can discuss their approaches with the bot and refine them. This allows more time in person-to-person sessions for in-depth exercises and individual questions. To apply what they have learned, students complete some tasks here without AI support. This also gives them realistic feedback on their level of understanding.

“AI is a powerful learning tool, and students use it as a matter of course. However, the problem-solving process must not be entirely outsourced to this tool,” says Papenmeier. “Incorrect use of the technology can permanently undermine learning success and even lead to deskilling - the loss of one’s own skills due to the unreflective or excessive use of AI.” Instead of presenting ready-made solutions, the AI tutor therefore supports students with personalized feedback tailored to their individual level. In an evaluation, students rated the R-Tutor as particularly helpful. According to the working group, the lessons learned from the project can also be applied to other subjects. “Our findings are relevant to University teaching as a whole,” says Papenmeier.

Contact:

Dr. Frank Papenmeier
Department of Psychology
Phone: +49 7071 29-75610
Frank.papenmeierspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de

The 2026 Student Commitment Prize project

For many people with blood cancer, a stem cell donation is their only hope for a cure. The student organization AIAS Tübingen is committed to encouraging people to register as stem cell donors with Germany’s bone marrow donor registry, DKMS.

The approximately 15 students from AIAS Tübingen organize registration drives at the Morgenstelle cafeteria and the University Library, as well as at events such as Career Day and the Ract! Festival. By approaching people directly, they provide information about blood cancer, the work that DKMS does, and the stem cell donation process. Anyone who would like to register as a donor can do so on the spot in about 15 minutes.

“Our efforts are having a tangible impact: So far, our work has led to the registration of 3,862 potential stem cell donors. Thirty-three of them have already donated stem cells,” says Lars Neumann, a board member of AIAS Tübingen. “We are grateful for every single donation. But many patients are still waiting for a suitable match. That’s why it’s important that as many people as possible continue to register,” he said.

AIAS Tübingen will use the prize money of 1,500 euros primarily to cover operating expenses, such as transportation, administration, cleaning supplies, and other equipment.

Contact:

Lars Neumann
AIAS e. V. board member
tuebingenspam prevention@aias.de

Contact for press:

Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
Public Relations Department
Christfried Dornis
Director

Michael Pfeiffer
Press Officer
Telefon +49 7071 29-76782
michael.pfeifferspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de

All press releases by the University of Tübingen

Downloads

26-10-16_Dies_Universitatis.pdf

Back