11.08.2026

Auszeichnung für Geowissenschaftlerin: Dr. Patricia Marks erhält ersten Hans-Ulrich-Schmincke-Preis

Der Preis wird im Rahmen der DVG-Mitgliederversammlung am Samstag, den 07. November 2026, in Mendig in der Eifel an Patricia Marks überreicht.

Patricia Marks has been awarded the first Hans-Ulrich-Schmincke-Prize of the German Volcanological Society for the best doctoral dissertation in the field of volcanology in the German-speaking region in 2025. Her dissertation within our Experimental Mineralogy group in Tübingen focused on the physicochemical processes governing magma decompression of hydrous bimodal melt systems and Laacher See phonolitic melt, to further develop the pivotal point of Hans-Ulrich Schminckes scientific work. Patricia’s work offers new crucial insights into the initial mechanisms of explosive volcanic eruptions. This topic is particularly timely given recent signs of unrest beneath the volcano of the Eifel region, interpreted as ongoing magma recharge.

Patricia’s trajectory from an outstanding student to a highly promising early-career geoscientist is truly impressive. Since joining our Experimental Mineralogy team in 2016, Patricia has played an integral role in both research and teaching. As an undergraduate student assistant, she distinguished herself not only through academic excellence but also through her contributions to tutorials, practical courses, and field excursions. Her willingness to co-supervise B.Sc. and M.Sc. theses further demonstrates her leadership potential and commitment to mentoring the next generation of geo-scientists. Beyond her academic program, Patricia has been highly engaged in institutional service, contributing to the student council, study commission, examination board, and departmental committee.

Patricia’s technical expertise is equally remarkable. She is highly proficient in operating high-pressure, high-temperature experimental apparatuses and in applying state-of-the-art analytical techniques, including Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Her ability to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries fosters scientific exchange and amplifies the impact of her research.

Beyond her laboratory and teaching contributions, Patricia has actively engaged with the broader scientific community. She has presented her research extensively, delivering 16 oral presentations and 3 poster presentations at scientific conferences, and has contributed to 5 publications as both first author and co-author. Her growing international recognition is reflected in invitations to present her work at major scientific events. Most notably, she was recently invited to share her expertise at the workshop “Bubble Nucleation in Magmatic Systems” at Lehigh University, Pennsylvania, USA, organized by Dork Sahagian and James Gardner, both internationally recognized leaders in volcanology.

Patricia’s dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit make her an exceptional award winner of the Hans-Ulrich-Schmincke-Prize. Receiving this prestigious award would not only acknowledge her remarkable achievements but also provide invaluable opportunities for her continued professional growth and scientific contributions.
Patricia’s scientific achievements has also been recognized through additional prestigious awards. In 2025, she received the Poster Award of the International Symposium on Experimental Mineralogy Petrology and Geochemistry (EMPG), the Beate Mocek Award of the Deutsche Mineralogische Gesellschaft, and the Poster Award of the Quenstedt Symposium of the Department of Geosciences here in Tübingen.
 

Teilen

Zurück