In recognition of his research focusing on long-term developments of knowledge while taking into account processes of globalization, the Senate of Tel Aviv University resolved to confer on MPIWG director Jürgen Renn the degree of Doctor Philosophiae Honoris Causa. Renn has published extensively on topics such as the early rise of relativistic and quantum physics, with a particular focus on Albert Einstein, the long-term historical development of mechanics from antiquity until the 20th century, the transformation of ancient knowledge, and the exchange of knowledge between Europe and China in the early modern period. 

Jürgen Renn is an honorary professor of History of Science at both the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the Freie Universität Berlin and has been the director of Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin since 1994. He taught at Boston University, ETH in Zurich, and the University of Tel Aviv. Additionally, Renn has been a visiting Professor at the Cohn Institute for History and Philosophy of Science and has been instrumental in establishing a very fruitful, long-term collaboration between the institutions. 

The ceremony took place on May 12 at the Tel Aviv University’s 2022 Board of Governors meeting in Miriam and Adolfo Smolarz Auditorium.