Minister President Kretschmer awards Order of Merit of the Free State of Saxony to TUD Professor Andreas Roloff

Prof. Andreas Roloff, long-time Director of TU Dresden’s Institute of Forest Botany and Forest Zoology, is recipient of the Order of Merit of the Free State of Saxony.

Minister President Michael Kretschmer presented the 69-year-old with the award in Dresden today (Tuesday; July 23, 2024). Prof. Roloff has rendered outstanding services to educational work and the Forest Park Tharandt. He took up the position of Director of the Forest Park Tharandt in 1997, and worked tirelessly to preserve and expand the park. Today, the garden is unique in the world as a teaching and research site for students and researchers – as well as an educational facility for the public and a visitor attraction.

In addition to his research work, Prof. Roloff frequently initiated and supported environmental education programs, including for kindergartens and schools, as well as planting campaigns with sponsorships.

“We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Prof. Andreas Roloff on this well-deserved award for his work,” said TUD Rector Prof. Ursula Staudinger. “It was his unique vision that enabled the further development of this exceptional Botanical Garden, for example by adding the ‘North America’ section. And even as a Senior Professor, he is still very active with his initiative to protect national heritage trees.”

Background:
The Saxon Order of Merit is the highest state award in Saxony. With this award, the Free State of Saxony honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment in the political, economic, cultural, social or volunteer fields. The Order of Merit was established in 1996 and first awarded on October 27, 1997. It can be awarded to individuals from Germany or other countries who have rendered outstanding services to the Free State of Saxony and the people living here. To date, the Saxon Order of Merit has been awarded 402 times.

Media contact:
Konrad Kästner
Deputy Press Officer
TU Dresden, Press Office

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