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The Voltaire Prize for Tolerance, International Understanding and Respect for Differences

The Voltaire Prize Winners 2017-2025

"The selection process of the past few years has shown in how many countries freedom of research and teaching is at risk or does not exist (anymore)," said the President of the University of Potsdam, Prof. Oliver Günther, Ph.D. „It is all the more important that we set an example with the Voltaire Prize and give thanks and recognition to those who oppose the anti-enlightenment tendencies. Because the prize is not only for the award winners, but for all brave scientists worldwide who say no to totalitarianism and restrictions on freedom of expression and speech.“

 

 

This year the "Voltaire Prize for Tolerance, International Understanding and Respect for Differences" will be awarded to argentinian sociologist Prof. Dr. Rosario Figari Layús from the Center for Reconciliation Studies at the rhenish Friedrich-Wilhelms-University of Bonn. With this accolade the University of Potsdam honors scholars that have shown special commitment to social discourse, freedom of research and teaching and the right to freedom of expression. Prof. Dr. Rosario Figari Layús dedicates her research and social activism to the defense of human rights, scientific enlightenment as well as the the promotion of justice and peace, especially in Latin America.

Zwei Portraitfotos. Eines von Herrn Gizaw, einem Schwarzen Mann, das andere von Frau Dr. Shparaga, einer weißen Frau.

Gerawork Teferra Gizaw and Olga Shparaga

Mr Gizaw manages the balancing act between living in a refugee camp and academically exploring life in a temporary camp. Dr. Olga Shparaga is part of the Belarusian freedom movement.

Amy Lai

Amy Lai is distinguished by her international expertise and critical reflection on issues of freedom of expression and press freedom and thus represents a highly relevant field.

Voltaire Prize Laureate 2022 Mr Duong Keo delivers his acceptance speech

Duong Keo

Duong Keo's research provides comprehensive information about the Khmer Rouge genocide in Cambodia. He also fights for the integration of the Vietnamese minority living in the country.

Elisabeth Kaneza

Elisabeth Kaneza

Elisabeth Kaneza's dissertation examines structural racism and the legal situation of black people in Germany.

Gábor Polyák

Gábor Polyák

The Hungarian media scientist works tirelessly for press and media freedom and received the Voltaire Prize 2020.

Prof. Dr. Ahmad Milad Karimi

Ahmad Milad Karimi

The Afghan philosopher was honored in 2019 for his scientific spectrum and mediation between cultures.

Gladys Tzul Tzul

Gladys Tzul Tzul

Guatemalan sociologist Tzul Tzul received the Voltaire Prize in 2018 for her work for the indigenous population in Central America.

Hilal Alkan

Hilal Alkan

The Turkish political scientist protested the war in the Kurdish areas.

Sculpture of the Voltaire Prize
Photo: Mikos Meininger
Sculpture by a Potsdam Artist Mikos Meininger.