Dr. Alfred Estelmann Honored as PMU Honorary Senator:

Academic Ceremony in Nuremberg Recognizes Achievements, Research, and Commitment of Private Supporters

At the Academic Ceremony of Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU) in Nuremberg last week, faculty, researchers, supporters, and friends of the university gathered to honor outstanding achievements and dedication. In addition to the awarding of research prizes and scholarships, a special recognition took center stage: Dr. med. Alfred Estelmann, former CEO of Nürnberg Hospital, was appointed Honorary Senator of the PMU by Rector Wolfgang Sperl.

In his laudation, PMU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Stephan Kolb emphasized the significance of the Honorary Senator in the founding of the PMU. With his professional versatility—ranging from baker to business graduate to pediatrician—and his perseverance, Estelmann created essential conditions for the realization of the medical private university at Nürnberg Hospital in 2014. Despite opposition, he successfully advocated for the project, laying the foundation for the campus.

Alfred Estelmann expressed his gratitude with a moving review of the early days and the special team spirit that made the endeavor possible.

Focus on Mental Health: Gaming Disorder

The thematic focus of the ceremony was the mental disorder “gaming disorder” (behavioral disorder due to excessive computer gaming).

Dr. Philipp Martzog of Nürnberg Hospital presented an ongoing project of the specialized outpatient clinic, which supports adolescents with excessive computer gaming behavior. Funded by the Emanuel Wöhrl Foundation, affected individuals are gradually reintegrated into everyday life through group therapy and sports collaborations—such as with Post SV Nürnberg. Initial results are promising: Three-quarters of the adolescents have joined club sports and significantly reduced their gaming consumption.

Awarding of Academic Titles, Research Prizes, and Scholarships

Vice-Rector Univ.-Prof. Hans Herbert Steiner presented decrees to seven newly appointed scientists, recognizing the diversity of their commitment and expertise.

Finally, several research prizes and scholarships were awarded, highlighting the diverse support of private patrons for PMU research. Among the recipients were:

• Oped GmbH Research Grant 2024: Dr. med. Dr. med. univ. Andreas Kopf
• Oped GmbH Publication Grant 2025: Gabriel Torbahn
• Nordstrahl GmbH Habilitation Prizes 2025: Priv.-Doz.in Dr.in med. vet. Maria Kokozidou, Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Michael Buhl
• Danone Deutschland GmbH Research Prizes 2025: Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Niels Rochow, Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Jan Liman
• Dr. Hans and Dr. Elisabeth Birkner Foundation Research Prize: Dr. med. Dr. med. univ. Andreas Kopf
• Kerscher’sche Stiftung Research Scholarship 2025: Dr. med. Sandeep Silawal