Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for Prof. Axel Haase

Professor Axel Haase has been awarded the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in recognition of his outstanding contributions to biomedical science. The honor, conferred by the Federal President, acknowledges his pioneering research, which has significantly advanced radiology and clinical diagnostics. The award was presented by Bavarian Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder.

“Professor Axel Haase has shaped the fields of biomedical science and biophysics for decades through groundbreaking research and visionary leadership,” reads the statement. “As a co-developer of FLASH MRI technology, he helped revolutionize medical imaging worldwide. At the University of Würzburg and later at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), he contributed to both academic research and university governance with exceptional foresight—serving as university president and as founder and advocate of interdisciplinary institutes such as the Munich School of Bioengineering. As an entrepreneur, he also set new standards by providing innovative solutions for research through RAPID Biomedical. Prof. Dr. Axel Haase exemplifies scientific excellence combined with a deep sense of social responsibility. His life's work stands as a model for bridging the gap between science and society and continues to inspire innovation”.

Axel Haase studied physics in Erlangen and Gießen and earned his doctorate from Justus Liebig University Giessen. He completed his habilitation in Frankfurt and held the Chair of Experimental Physics at the University of Würzburg from 1989 to 2009. From 2003 to 2009, he served as President of the University of Würzburg. In October 2009, he joined the Technical University of Munich as Professor of Biomedical Engineering. There, he led the Institute of Medical Engineering (IMETUM), from which he developed the Munich School of Bioengineering—today’s Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering (MIBE). Though he retired in 2019, he remains actively involved with TUM as an Emeritus of Excellence.

Professor Haase has served as President of the European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology (ESMRMB), President of the German Biophysical Society, and as a board member of the German Physical Society (DPG). He is also a member of numerous other international scientific associations.

During the award ceremony, Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder addressed the recipients: “Those who receive the Federal Cross of Merit go far beyond the call of duty. You represent the very best of what our country stands for: a strong sense of responsibility, courage, and humanity. Our democracy depends on people like you—as role models, as pillars of society, and as its heart. The state expresses its gratitude today, and I join in: Please continue your vital work. Our society thrives because of individuals like you. Congratulations—and my deepest respect.”