A spokesperson for the foundation said that Prof. Dr. Ludger Wöste had demonstrated excellence in research and teaching during his regular tenure as a professor at Freie Universität. In the teaching part of his job, he was constantly involved in making the fascination of modern science known to a wider public. In particular, he was able to inspire young people through illustrative experiments. He established numerous contacts with schools, organized the demonstration of modern experiments in schools, and taught primary and secondary school teachers how to do such experiments in school classes. The WE-Heraeus Foundation wished to recognize this commitment and make it possible for Professor Ludger Wöste to continue working in this area. Freie Universität Berlin is also providing resources and infrastructure.

The Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation is a charitable foundation established in 1963 under civil law for the promotion of research and teaching in the field of natural sciences.