Monday, December 8, 2025

Tenth Herbert Lewin Award Honors Outstanding Research on the Medical Profession During the Nazi Era

Today marks the tenth presentation of the Herbert Lewin Award, a research prize that places the historical examination of the medical profession during the National Socialist era at its center. The award honors two current scholarly studies that provide thoroughly researched perspectives on medical careers and personal fates during the Nazi period. It is jointly presented by the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), the German Medical Association (BÄK), the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), the German Dental Association (BZÄK), and the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists (KZBV).

The first prize goes to Dr. med. Dr. phil. Lea Münch for her study “Internal Perspectives on Psychiatry in Alsace During the National Socialist Era: Life Stories Between Strasbourg and Hadamar.” Her research illuminates the individual experiences of psychiatric patients and opens new avenues for understanding medical practices and personal trajectories in this historical context. Her findings significantly expand our understanding of medical history in this period.

The second prize is awarded to Dr. med. Dana Derichs for her work “Female Medical Students at the University of Erlangen in the Weimar Republic and the National Socialist Era.” The study examines the career paths, opportunities, and challenges faced by women in medicine during these decades. It provides compelling insights into the structural barriers and turning points that shaped female medical careers.

The award recipients were selected by an independent jury composed of representatives appointed by the participating organizations. In addition, the jury includes a representative from the Central Council of Jews in Germany and a representative of Jewish physicians. The award sends a clear message of responsibility and critical engagement with history.

The Herbert Lewin Award aims to strengthen long-term historical analysis of the medical profession’s role during the Nazi era. It also serves to preserve the memory of physicians and dentists who were persecuted and murdered during this time. The award therefore acknowledges both scientific excellence and a meaningful contribution to remembrance culture and historical reflection.