We are delighted that the German Mathematical Society (DMV – Deutsche Mathematiker Vereinigung) has appointed MATH+ member and former BMS Chair Jürg Kramer as its President for the second term, effective 1 January 2025. Jürg Kramer, who previously served as DMV Treasurer (2003–2012) and President (2013-2014), will succeed Joachim Escher of Leibniz Universität Hannover. Kramer’s outstanding commitment to Berlin’s mathematics and ongoing support for young mathematicians through the DFG research center Matheon, the Berlin Mathematical School (BMS), DZLM, and MATH+ make him one of our most esteemed members.

Born in Switzerland in 1956, Kramer began his mathematical career at the Universität Basel, earning his diploma in mathematics with minors in physics and astronomy in 1980. He completed his doctorate in 1985 under Martin Eichler. His postdoctoral journey included positions at the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in Bonn, Harvard University, the MSRI, Universität Wuppertal, and ETH Zurich, where he achieved his habilitation in 1993. In 1994, Kramer accepted a professorship at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin), where he served as Professor of Mathematics and its Didactics from 1994 to 2024. During this period, he held leadership roles as Deputy Director and Director of the Institute of Mathematics (1998-2008).

Kramer’s career has been marked by a dual focus on advancing mathematics and fostering education. He has dedicated himself to both the training of mathematics teachers and the support of mathematically talented students and educators at all levels – from elementary schools to doctoral researchers. As Director of the German Center for Mathematics Teacher Training (DZLM – Deutsches Zentrum für Lehrerbildung Mathematik), he championed professional development for teaching staff, and initiated outreach activities like the popular “Kangaroo of Mathematics” competition.

Renowned for his contributions to arithmetic geometry and mathematics education, Kramer has taken on pivotal leadership roles, including Co-Chair and Chair of the Berlin Mathematical School (BMS) since its inception in 2006. He has also led two DFG-funded Research Training Groups.

Reflecting on his election as DMV President, Kramer remarked: “I am honored by the trust placed in me by the DMV Executive Committee and its 4,000 members.” Outgoing President Escher commented on his successor: “I am confident that Kramer will guide the DMV with expertise and vision, ensuring a successful and fulfilling presidency.”

Jürg Kramer has played a significant role in shaping Berlin’s mathematical community, and has helped to elevate it to an internationally attractive destination for study and research. As DMV President, a voluntary position with a two-year term, he will represent the entire German mathematical community.

LINKS:

• Jürg Kramer at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
• DMV Press Release (English)
• DMV Pressemitteilung (Deutsch)