Teresa Algarra Ulierte from Hamburg University of Technology has not only achieved excellent academic results as a PhD student, she has also been involved with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) for several years, where she has held the office of President since 2023. She has now been awarded the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) 2023 Prize for her social commitment to promoting education, empowerment and social integration for students from around the world. With the award, the DAAD aims to recognize international students and doctoral candidates who enrich the university community through their efforts. The prize is endowed with 1,000 euros.

The native Spaniard has already been associated with the Institute of Communication Networks at the TU Hamburg since her master's degree in Information and Communication Systems. Here she has been working on her doctorate under Prof. Andreas Timm-Giel since January 2023. "I'm doing research in space communications, and with that I want to enable the future of space exploration to the moon and beyond by improving the necessary communication systems," Algarra Ulierte said. In addition to her involvement with ESN, she has also volunteered in Spain before. At the European Space Education Resource Office (ESERO), she has organized various activities to support young women as a mentor for students*. Her motto in life is "Help others in everyday life, no matter how small the gesture."

The DAAD Prize
For more than ten years, the DAAD has awarded this prize to foreign students for good academic performance and social and intercultural commitment. The aim of the award is to promote internationality at universities and a joint exchange between students. The DAAD award winners represent their fellow students from all over the world.

Text: Lena Bender