2026 Teaching Awards: Five Teaching Formats Recognised for Outstanding Commitment
On Thursday 9 July 2026, the StuKo (Student Government) awarded the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Teaching Award to five teaching formats that students rated as particularly successful. The awards ceremony took place in front of the Main Building as part of the opening of the annual summaery exhibition.
The annual Awards honour especially dedicated and ambitious instructors. Students from the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar have been able to nominate outstanding courses from the 2025 summer semester and the 2025/2026 winter semester for awards. All University members were then able to vote in a University-wide survey.
The 2026 Award Winners | Photos: Thomas Müller
Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, »Building Physics«, taught by Dr. Hayder Alsaad
Recognised for his enthusiasm for his field, engaging experiments, and varied lectures, Dr. Hayder Alsaad made even complex topics accessible to students. Students particularly emphasized his clear explanations, the open atmosphere of his classes, and the opportunity to ask questions at any time. One nomination stated: »Dr. Alsaad is very enthusiastic and is clearly passionate about his field. His classes were always varied and we did a lot of interesting experiments.«
Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering
»Geographical Information Systems and Building Stock Survey«, taught by Dr. Silke Beinersdorf
Students particularly appreciated Dr. Silke Beinersdorf’s incredible dedication and practical approach to teaching the material. They particularly appreciated her clear explanations, openness in interacting with students, and the course’s direct practical relevance. The fact that the course also imparted new software skills that proved relevant beyond their studies made it especially valuable for many: »I learned about new software that I expect will be very helpful in my career.«
Faculty of Art and Design
»Boundaries of Artistic Research« and »Octopus Methodologies«, taught by Jr. Prof. Alexandra Toland
Both courses impressed students with their combination of academic depth, intensive research support, and interdisciplinary exchange. Jr. Prof. Toland was especially praised for her open discussion culture, carefully moderated feedback processes, and international guest lectures and workshops. One student summarised the impact of the colloquium as follows: »It not only imparted knowledge, it also shaped attitudes.« Another nomination described the seminar as »one of the most intellectually stimulating courses of my academic career«.
The award ceremony took place in the absence of Jr. Prof. Alexandra Toland.
Faculty of Media
»Human Factors: Basics of Perception and Cognition« and »Physiological Computing«, taught by Jr. Prof. Robert P. Spang
The students particularly praised the course’s interactive and practice-oriented approach. Complex content was taught in an approachable way and made immediately tangible through practical exercises. Special mention was made of Jr. Prof. Robert P. Spang’s enthusiasm and his openness to feedback. One nomination stated: »This was the best course I have ever taken.« Another stated: »We were able to record and analyse our own signals – real research experience!«
Special Award for Student Teaching
»Wait, later this will be nothing«, taught by Henry Charles (Harry) Copas, Mentor: Florian Hesselbarth
The award specifically recognised the exceptional commitment of student instructor Henry Charles Copas. Excursions, workshops, and encounters with renowned artists complemented the course and generated an inspiring learning environment. Emphasis was placed on the open feedback culture, as well as the ongoing support provided for the resulting projects beyond the semester. One nomination summed it up: »Henry somehow managed to spark curiosity.« Another stated: »This course showed me what Bauhaus is truly about.«
Further information can be found at: https://www.uni-weimar.de/de/universitaet/lehre/weiterentwicklung-des-lehrens-und-lernens/lehrpreis/
For questions, please contact Larissa Barth, University Strategic Development Office, by phone at +49 (0) 36 43/58 12 52 or by e-mail at larissa.barth[at]uni-weimar.de.