We congratulate Barbara Mair to the highest possible honor for achievements in university studies - the promotion sub auspiciis praesidentis rei publicae, Alexander Van der Bellen. The ceremony was held in the Van Swieten Hall of the Medical University of Vienna.

Straight A´s from high school until the end of the doctorate, graduation within a given time scale, accompanied by exemplary moral character – in order to qualify for the honor of a promotion sub auspiciis praesidentis, an individual has to meet the highest possible demands. Since 1952, slightly more than 1000 students graduated sub auspiciis. Barbara Mair now belongs to this academic elite, as well as Eliana Montanari, former PhD Student at the Medical University of Vienna, who was also honored today. 

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen presented the graduates with the gold ring, engraved with the words "sub auspiciis praesidentis" and the emblem of Austria, as a sign of recognition from the Republic of Austria. In his speech, he expressed his admiration for the exceptional endurance and curiosity, which are necessary – besides exceptional talent and intelligence – for such outstanding achievements. Rector of the Medical University Markus Müller, who himself graduated sub auspiciis, welcomed the audience with a brief historical overview of the sub auspiciis tradition. 

CeMM Scientific Director Giulio Superti-Furga emphasized in his laudation Barbara Mair’s stellar impression she made from the very first moment: she applied for a PhD position at CeMM with an already impressive CV, especially with respect to her achievements and top grades during high school and undergraduate studies, with distinction in Molecular Biology (Mag.rer.nat.) and in Spanish literature and linguistics (BA). In 2011, she started her Ph.D. studies at CeMM, in Sebastian Nijman’s group as the top ranked student from over 400 applicants and continued to impress with her sharp and critical intellect paired with ambition, diligence, persistence, and hard work. Barbara stayed at CeMM until Sebastian Nijman’s lab moved to Oxford (December 2014), still registered with Medical University of Vienna continued her studies. Barbara completed her PhD with an excellent thesis and an impressive public defense of her work. Her ambition also expands into her spare time, where she – among others - competes in Austria’s and Great Britain’s first and second handball leagues and won the All British University Handball Championships in 2016.

We are more than proud, and want to express our warmest congratulations to Barbara Mair her truly exceptional achievements!