The German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (DHV) has awarded the "University Teacher of the Year" prize toStefan M. Maul, Professor of Assyriology at Heidelberg University. On behalf of the Iraqi government and under the scientific direction of the renowned ancient orientalist, research has been conducted since 2019 in the ruins of ancient Nineveh, the former capital of the Assyrian Empire, in the still far from peaceful city of Mosul. Together with Iraqi colleagues and authorities, Maul's team is developing concepts under extremely difficult conditions for how this important pre-Islamic cultural heritage can be secured, presented, and sustainably protected. 

"The research is by no means without danger and can only take place under the strictest security precautions. And yet, despite setbacks, our colleague Maul has rendered great services to the revival of the ancient sciences in Iraq, which have been devastated by war and terror," said Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. Lambert T. Koch, President of the DHV, explaining the decision. Thanks to Maul's initiative and, among other things, the generous support of the Volkswagen Foundation, Iraqi students in Mosul are now also being taught cuneiform script at the highest academic level using original documents. "This is also linked to more far-reaching political hopes," Koch continued. For Iraq, which is politically and socially divided, ancient Near Eastern studies could contribute to peace. By reflecting on the heritage of Mesopotamia, a common identity could perhaps emerge within an ethnically and religiously fragmented population.

"Mr. Maul is literally putting his heart and soul into preserving cultural heritage. Through his pioneering commitment, he is also impressively demonstrating the high value that the so-called 'minor subjects' have for the university as a 'Universitas litterarum'. In a closely interconnected world, he reveals that supposedly niche subjects provide indispensable expertise whenever and wherever it is needed," Koch emphasized. Not least because of this, Maul presents the profession of university teachers in a positive light, even outside the academic environment.

The "University Teacher of the Year" award is endowed with €10,000 and will be presented to Professor Maul on March 23, 2026, at the "German Science Gala" in Berlin.
[Press release from the DHV(external link) dated December 4, 2025]

Stefan Maul has been a full member of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences since 1998.