Prof. Ann-Kristin Achleitner has held the Chair in Entrepreneurial Finance since 2001 and has served as the Scientific Co-Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial and Financial Studies (CEFS) at TUM since 2003. She completed her studies, doctorate and post-doctoral teaching qualification at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. From 1995 to 2001, she was then a professor of banking and finance at the European Business School (ebs) in Oestrich-Winkel, Germany. "As a successful researcher in the economic sciences, Prof. Achleitner attaches great importance not only to teaching, but especially to the value of combining studies with practical experience. She is also a committed advocate of a stronger role for women in management positions," said Minister President Söder at the presentation ceremony.

As an ordinary professor from 1964 until 1992 in the field that has developed into the Chair for Brewing and Beverage Technology, and as a director of the predecessor of today's Weihenstephan Research Brewery, Prof. Ludwig Narziss had a decisive impact on a field of research with a long and distinguished tradition at TUM. More than 600 publications bear witness to his influence on developments in this area of food technology. "Professor Narziss is respected around the world as an expert in brewing sciences and is in demand internationally as a consultant and speaker," said Dr. Söder in his speech honoring the new member of the Order of Merit. "The global reputation of the Bavarian Research and Teaching Brewery in Weihenstephan is inextricably linked to his name."

Prof. Ulrich Walter is the head of the Chair of Astronautics at TUM. After studying physics and completing his doctorate at the University of Cologne, he was a member of the German astronaut team from 1987 until 1994. He became the fifth German in space when he joined the crew of the German D2 Spacelab mission as a payload specialist from April 26 to May 6 1993. "With his unique experience, Prof. Walter also has the ability to get non-specialized audiences excited about aviation and space flight with his many publications, as a commentator and through his television appearances," said Minister President Söder.