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Mittweida University of Applied Sciences (HSMW) has awarded Max Schult its 2026 Prize for Excellence in Student Support. The lecturer for special tasks in mathematics was presented with the award, worth 1,000 euros, on 10 November during the Germany Scholarship award ceremony. Although one person has received the prize, it also recognises the commitment of many, as staff across all areas of the university work tirelessly on behalf of the students.
This is borne out by the number of nominations. A total of 109 nominations were received for 31 individuals, 93 of which came from students, 13 from teaching staff and three from other university staff.
Many dedicated and deserving colleagues have been nominated. In the end, we had to make a choice. The jury did not take this decision lightly; we held lively and objective discussions. We look forward to receiving many nominations for future rounds, which reflect the high standard of teaching and student support at HSMW.
Christoph Meyer, Vice-Rector for Education, on this year’s decision
Patience, time and a culture that embraces mistakes
In their nominations, students describe what constitutes good supervision for them. One English-language nomination describes Max Schult as being “great at explaining and answering questions”. Another calls him “an incredibly good lecturer who is also simply likeable”. A third highlights that he ensured there was “a very open culture of learning from mistakes” in his maths seminars, and that he voluntarily offered additional sessions to help students prepare for exams.
Dr Mandy-Lange Geisler and Professor Klaus Dohmen shared the task of delivering the laudatory speech.
Sometimes, good teaching begins exactly where a lecture ends – with an open door, a question and someone who is willing to make time.
Laudator Dr Mandy-Lange Geisler
Walk-in consultation hours – no appointment required
Max Schult himself describes the award as a great honour and a sign of appreciation. In his supervision, his aim is to foster curiosity and an independent, critical approach.
This creates a supervisory environment in which students develop and deepen their enthusiasm and realise their full potential.
Award winner Max Schult
One key element is the open consultation hour: every week, he offers time slots coordinated with the timetables, during which students can drop into his office without an appointment. In mathematics in particular, this helps to bridge the gap between theory and practice – a common hurdle. “Through open consultation hours, I can also reach students who would otherwise not make use of consultation hours, even if they have a need or an interest,” says Schult.
Professor Klaus Dohmen makes a point that applies beyond the teaching of mathematics:
Alongside subject-specific and pedagogical concepts, there is one factor that is of great importance to academic success and is difficult to quantify: the personal relationship between lecturers and students.
Laudator Professor Klaus Dohmen
Vincent Hagenmeier, a student on the Applied Mathematics degree programme, spoke on behalf of his fellow students to acknowledge the successful balance between fairness and high standards that Max Schult embodies in his dealings with students.
You didn’t make the mountain any smaller. You showed us the steps.
Student speaker Vincent Hagenmeier
The prize winner
Max Schult joined HSMW in August 2024 to devote himself fully to teaching for the first time. Prior to this, he worked as a research assistant in the Department of Mathematics at Leibniz University Hannover whilst completing his PhD. On the English-taught Bachelor’s programme in Applied Mathematics, he delivers lectures on both foundational and specialised topics and supervises students on projects. As part of the Mathematics Department’s teaching and service duties, he also delivers lectures and runs seminars for students from various faculties.
The price
The HSMW has been awarding this prize since 2018. It recognises particularly dedicated staff members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting students in their studies and teaching, as well as in the organisation of degree programmes. It is usually awarded every two years, alternating with the Prize for Excellence in Teaching.
