Order of Merit for Education Researcher Prof. Ulrike Cress

As an educational researcher, Professor Cress has long been involved in studying the impact of digitalisation on cognitive processes. She believes that it is a key social responsibility to equip people to navigate our increasingly digital world. Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann praised her work in his award speech on 19 April: "Her research is essential for our knowledge-based society, especially in the areas of learning, teaching and information dissemination."

Education research with a practical focus
Prof. Cress emphasises the importance of research in identifying how digital tools can enhance knowledge processes and in addressing the challenges posed by digitalisation. She also stresses that research shouldn't exist in a vacuum but should actively contribute to practical improvements. With success: Her research into the impact of digital media and artificial intelligence on knowledge processes has directly influenced practical applications and improvements.

Influencing the academic landscape
Beyond her research, Prof Cress plays a key role in advising education policy as a member of the Standing Scientific Commission of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany (KMK). In addition, her involvement in organisations such as the Deutsche Telekom Foundation and the Academic Advisory Board of the German Literature Archive (DLA) enables her to share her insights for the benefit of the general public. "She leads the discourse on relevant topics of the future, is internationally networked and plays a major role in shaping Baden-Württemberg as a science location and the research landscape in Tübingen," said Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann at the ceremony in the New Palace in Stuttgart on Friday.

"I am truly honoured by this recognition, which underlines the vital role of science in shaping our society," says Prof. Cress. She is grateful to the state of Baden-Württemberg, which had the foresight to establish a research institution on this highly relevant topic back in 2001.