Oct 02, 2026
Klaus Tschira Medal for Prof. Gerhard Weber: Award for merits in promoting accessibility in digitalization
The presentation of the Klaus Tschira Medal by GI President Martin Wolf (left) to Gerhard Weber took place at Albrechtsberg Palace in Dresden as part of the INFORMATIK FESTIVAL 2026.
Prof. Gerhard Weber has been awarded the Klaus Tschira Medal. The German Informatics Society (GI) and the Klaus Tschira Foundation are honoring him for his outstanding contributions to linking informatics and inclusion, as well as for promoting accessibility in the use of information technology. From 2007 to 2026, Gerhard Weber was the Chair of Human-Computer Interaction and led the Services Disability and Studies Group at TUD Dresden University of Technology. His work focuses on user-centered assistive technologies as well as accessible learning and working environments that facilitate access to education, employment, and cultural participation for people with various disabilities.
Accessibility as a key principle of modern digitalization
“Gerhard Weber, like few others, has combined scientific discovery with societal relevance, leaving a lasting mark on both. He demonstrates that accessibility is not a marginal issue, but rather an essential component of modern, inclusive digitalization. His work has not only paved the way for individual careers but has also made academia more accessible in general,” says Prof. Martin Wolf, President of the German Informatics Society.
From research to practical application
When developing accessible teaching and learning environments, Gerhard Weber focused on approaches such as audio-tactile systems. In doing so, he focused on accessibility issues, not only when it came to technical solutions, but also when planning curricula and academic programs, designing exam methods, and providing learning support.
His activities have helped foster an understanding of accessibility, not merely as a technical standard, but as a cultural principle. Interdisciplinary collaborations between the social sciences, media studies, computer science, psychology, and health sciences contributed to the development of inclusive solutions. These projects yielded accessible software and hardware solutions, accessible teaching materials, and accessible events.
Two decades of dedication at TU Dresden
After holding positions in Stuttgart, Philadelphia, and Kiel, Gerhard Weber headed the Chair of Human-Computer Interaction and the Services Disability and Studies Group at TUD from 2007 to 2026. For his commitment to individuals with disabilities, he received numerous national and international awards, including from the American Computers Society (ACM), the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP), the Austrian Computer Society (OCG), and TUD.
Gerhard Weber was awarded the Klaus Tschira Medal at the 2026 INFORMATIK FESTIVAL in Dresden. With this award, the German Informatics Society and the Klaus Tschira Foundation honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the use and advancement of computational methods in various fields of application.
About the German Informatics Society
The German Informatics Society (GI) is the largest professional association for computer science in the German-speaking world. Since 1969, it has represented the interests of computer scientists in academia, society, and politics, and has advocated for digitalization that benefits society as a whole. With 14 academic divisions, over 30 active regional chapters, and numerous specialized groups, the German Informatics Society serves as a platform and voice for all disciplines in computer science.
About the Klaus Tschira Foundation
The Klaus Tschira Foundation (KTS) promotes the natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science and aims to contribute to the appreciation of these subjects. It was established in 1995 by physicist and SAP co-founder Klaus Tschira (1940–2015) using private funds. Its three main areas of funding are education, research, and science communication. Its nationwide commitment spans from kindergartens, schools, and universities to research institutions.