Who Will Win the 2026 Teaching Award?
Intellectual sparks are flying, the enthusiasm is contagious, and seemingly dry material is coming to life – these are all signs that an instructor has once again given their all.
The commitment of our teaching staff is a key factor in the quality of education at UZH. Presented once a year, the Teaching Award is an opportunity to highlight the value of excellent instruction and to open a discussion about what makes teaching great.
This year’s nominees are Stefanie Walter, Benjamin Wilding and Lorenz Droese. Nominations are based on a survey that was conducted among students last November. The three short profiles below sum up what students appreciate most about each of the nominees.
Real-time relevance: Stefanie Walter, Professor of International Relations and Political Economy
Stefanie Walter leaves no doubt about the relevance and timeliness of her course content – which she delivers with unmistakable passion. Her lectures and seminars are varied and closely tied to current research, which creates ample room for active and thought-provoking discussions. “She supports her students, but also sets the bar high,” reads one response from the Teaching Award survey. Students particularly value her transparency: “It’s always clear what’s expected and what you can expect in return.”
Real-world relevance and humor: Benjamin Wilding, Senior Lecturer in Banking and Finance
Benjamin Wilding has a gift for making knowledge stick by bridging academic theory with helpful real-world examples. His sense of humor, presence in the classroom and approachability resonate strongly with students. He also makes time for direct contact outside of class. “He answers every question with enthusiasm,” notes one student, while another says: “Wherever he can, he goes the extra mile.”
Clarity and motivation: Lorenz Droese, Professor of Civil Procedure and Private Law
Lorenz Droese wins students over with his pedagogical clarity, motivational style and captivating lectures. He speaks precisely and in a way that creates vivid mental images: “You could listen to him for hours.” Students also praised the patience and warmth with which he addresses individual concerns. One piece of feedback read: “If teaching were a cooking competition, Lorenz Droese would have to be awarded a Michelin star.”
Award ceremony at the Dies academicus
The winner will be announced at the Dies academicus on 8 May 2026. No matter who wins, it's already clear that in the eyes of their students, all three instructors are doing something exceptional.