Brazilian Order of Merit for former Rector of the University of Münster, Prof Dr Hans-Uwe Erichsen

On 27 March 2024, Professor Dr Dr h. c. Hans-Uwe Erichsen, former Rector of the University of Münster and Professor Emeritus of Public Law, European Law and Administrative Law, was honoured for his extraordinary services to German-Brazilian relations at the Brazilian Embassy in Berlin. During a festive ceremony, Ambassador Roberto Jaguaribe presented Professor Erichsen with the insignia of the National Order of the Southern Cross with the rank of Commander, the highest Brazilian honour for foreign citizens in Brazil. This award was signed by President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva last year and published by decree in Brazil on 5 September 2023.

In his congratulatory speech, the ambassador highlighted the numerous special contributions that Prof Erichsen has made in his various positions - including as president of the German Rectors' Conference - to Brazil and the promotion of German-Brazilian cooperation in science, research and higher education. Among these, the ambassador also emphasised the idea and consistent support for the foundation of the Brazil Centre at the University of Münster. With this centre, an important institution has been created that has been committed to the exchange, networking and cooperation of researchers and students from both countries for many years and maintains partnerships with the most important scientific institutions in Brazil. Explicit mention was made of the most recent cooperation agreement between the Supreme Court and the Faculty of Law of the University of Münster, which was established two years ago to enable reciprocal visits and promote academic exchange.

The ceremony was attended by Prof. Erichsen and his wife, Brunhild Erichsen, as well as the Brazilian Supreme Court Justice and alumnus of the University of Münster, Dr Gilmar Mendes, and Anja Grecko Lorenz, Managing Director of the Brazil Centre.

The National Order of the Southern Cross dates back to the extinct Imperial Order of the Cross, instituted by decree in 1822 by King Pedro I, in reference to the country's geographical location under the Constellation of the Cross and in memory of the name "Land of the Holy Cross", given to Brazil on the occasion of its discovery.

Further information about the award can be found here:

Former Münster University’s Rector honoured with National Order of the Southern Cross

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Hans-Uwe Erichsen mit Nationalem Orden vom Kreuz des Südens geehrt (in German)