Medal of Merit for Gisela Müller-Brandeck-Bocquet

Gisela Müller-Brandeck-Bocquet was born on 7 January 1956 in Freiburg im Breisgau. Her deep interest in political contexts and international developments was evident from an early age. She studied political science, modern history and economics at the Institut d'études politiques de Grenoble and the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich.

Her doctorate (Dr. rer. pol.) was dedicated to a highly relevant topic: "Technology assessment using the example of the peaceful use of nuclear energy in the Federal Republic of Germany". Her focus on peaceful and sustainable political development and her awareness of social responsibility were already evident here.

Her European vision manifested itself in her habilitation "The institutional dimension of environmental policy. A comparative study of France, Germany and the European Union".

Expert in European studies and international relations

After a period as a deputy professor in Trier, Gisela Müller-Brandeck-Bocquet initially came to the University of Würzburg as a deputy professor. In 1999, she was appointed Professor of European Studies and International Relations. For many years, she was a formative, inspiring and highly esteemed academic and lecturer.

The media also appreciated her ability to explain complex political issues in an understandable way and invited her to appear as an expert in programmes on a wide range of European policy topics.

Honoured by the European Union

Gisela Müller-Brandeck-Bocquet received a special honour in the form of the Jean Monnet Chair, which was awarded to her professorship from 2017 to 2020, an award from the European Union for professors who have made a special contribution to teaching, research and reflection on European integration.

In her research, Gisela Müller-Brandeck-Bocquet dealt with international relations, German and French European policy and Germany's strategy in European foreign, security and defence policy. Her numerous publications were always closely related to current affairs and demonstrated her endeavour to explain the complex backgrounds and major interrelationships of European and international political events.

But her work went far beyond research and teaching. She had an excellent international network in France and throughout Europe, but also beyond Europe, for example through lively exchanges with Russia (until 2022) and with India as part of DAAD programmes.

Numerous services to the university

Gisela Müller-Brandeck-Bocquet's tireless commitment within the University of Würzburg deserves special mention. For over 17 years, she led and shaped the University's National Model United Nations delegations with great passion.

As Women's Representative, she campaigned with vigour, empathy and conviction for the advancement of women in science. She contributed her national and international experience and foresight to numerous committees, commissions and repeatedly as Chair of the Institute of Political Science and Sociology.

Beyond her active service, she remains a valued voice as a member of the Board of Trustees of the European Academy of Bavaria and the Scientific Directorate of the Institute for European Politics in Berlin.

Gisela Müller-Brandeck-Bocquet is a political scientist with foresight - one who thinks beyond European borders, one who combines science, commitment and responsibility.