Expertise, scientific curiosity and personal perseverance – these qualities were demonstrated by the 74 doctoral graduates and 5 postdoctoral lecturers who were honoured at the farewell ceremony held on 8 November 2025 in the Alte Mensa of the TU Bergakademie Freiberg.
The appeal of Freiberg as an internationally networked research location was also clearly demonstrated: Thirty-five of the doctoral graduates came from abroad, hailing from over a dozen different countries, including Austria, France, Ukraine, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Cuba, Vietnam, Canada, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Poland, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, India, Albania and Croatia. Twenty doctoral theses were awarded the highest grade of summa cum laude, highlighting the exceptional quality of the work submitted.
The average completion time was 5.44 years, a period aptly compared to a marathon by Dr Alexandra Kaas in her speech on behalf of the doctoral candidates. She described the journey as one involving obstacles and minor and major hurdles, as well as support from doctoral supervisors, colleagues, family and friends. 
This support was evident at the farewell ceremony, where families, academic supervisors and long-standing friends came together to celebrate the graduates’ achievements and share memories.
The afternoon was filled with smiles, live music from the Wood ‘n’ Brass Big Band, and recognition of the impressive achievements of the doctoral and postdoctoral graduates.
In his keynote speech at the farewell ceremony, Prof. Dr. Ulf Kirsten showed that the path after graduation can lead back to one’s alma mater. He has held the professorship for drilling technology and well completion at the Institute of Drilling Technology and Fluid Mining since 1 September. He himself studied at TU Bergakademie Freiberg, receiving his doctorate in 2014. After holding various positions at international companies, he has now returned to Freiberg. He encouraged the newly qualified doctors and those who have completed their habilitation to remain curious and to retain their joy in research, questioning and creativity. He emphasised that success is measured not only by scientific and professional achievements, but also by one’s ability to inspire others, take responsibility, and make a difference through knowledge and values.
GraFA organises a ceremonial farewell for doctoral graduates and postdoctoral lecturers each year. We would like to thank all those involved for their support in making this event possible, including our colleagues at the Media Centre, the Wood’n’Brass Big Band, the deans, and the speakers.
A recording of the event can be found here.
