Freie Universität Berlin was founded on December 4, 1948, by students, scholars, and scientists with the support of the American allied forces and politicians in Berlin. Students and academics wanted to be free to pursue their learning, teaching, and research activities at Freie Universität, without being subject to political influence. To a large part, the founding can be credited to the efforts of then-mayor Ernst Reuter.
For many years, the anniversary of the founding of Freie Universität was traditionally celebrated annually with the so-called Ernst Reuter Day, an occasion that brought together the university community with friends, supporters, and alumni. In the future, the ceremonial celebration of Ernst Reuter Day will be reserved for special, milestone anniversaries.
The day was also an occasion to honor young scientists at Freie Universität. In a festive setting, the Ernst Reuter Prizes for outstanding doctoral theses, donated by the Ernst Reuter Society of Friends, Sponsors, and Alumni of Freie Universität Berlin e.V., were awarded. The prizes will continue to be awarded on an annual basis.
