The Austrian head of state, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, bestowed three alumni from the Johannes Kepler University Linz - Jürgen Pfeffermann, Raphael Mosaner and Clemens Hofstadler - with a coveted Ring of Honor.

Promotio sub auspiciis Praesidentis rei publicae (Latin for Doctoral graduation under the auspices of the Federal President) is a special doctoral graduation and Austria’s highest distinction in recognition of academic achievements for a doctoral degree. Those who receive the distinction may only earn top grades (“1”, or “very good”) from high school to the end of their university studies. JKU graduates - and Doctors in Technical Sciences - Jürgen Pfeffermann, Raphael Mosaner, and Clemens Hofstadler, successfully fulfilled the prerequisites and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen bestowed each graduate with an honorary ring during a special, festive ceremony in Vienna.

Andreas Janko, JKU Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, remarked: “Diligence, curiosity, as well as talent and discipline are what distinguish these outstanding three graduates today. They are extraordinary researchers, proven over the course of many years in their academic accomplishments. I would like to congratulate all three doctorate candidates! I firmly believe they will continue to apply their expertise and enthusiasm to enrich science and academia.”

The Award-Winning Graduates
DI Dr. Raphael Mosaner (30) is from Steyr and earned his doctorate in 2023. Feeling a sense of validation, he remarked: “Being awarded a Sub-Auspiciis doctorate is a source of both pride and gratitude as it acknowledges my many years of education which, in addition to countless wonderful moments, was also marked by a high level of commitment, sacrifice, support from those around me and, of course, a little bit of luck.” His doctoral dissertation titled “Machine-Learning-Based Optimization Heuristics in Dynamic Compilers” focuses on optimizing compilers responsible for translating programs into machine language. He applies machine learning in order to improve compiler optimization decisions so that compiled programs are more efficient in terms of both execution speed and memory requirements.

Dr. Clemens Hofstadler (29) is from Linz, and is also extremely proud of his academic accomplishments. “Earning my doctorate under the auspices of the Federal President is an exceptional honor. More than anything, however, this honor reflects the tremendous support I received by many remarkable people over the years. I would like to dedicate this award to everyone who helped, encouraged, and inspired me along the way.”
Dr. Hofstadler’s dissertation titled “Noncommutative Gröbner bases and automated proofs of operator statements” focuses on automated proofs, meaning the use of computers to automatically verify the accuracy of mathematical statements. He co-developed a new theory to verify operator statements, an area central to geometry, signal processing and quantum mechanics.

Dr. Jürgen Pfeffermann (28) is a molecular biologist from Marchtrenk. His dissertation titled “Artificial Approaches at Tuning Membrane Permeability” focuses on both the biophysical characteristics of passive water and ion transport as well as regulation by means of artificial approaches, particularly using light. “I am beyond pleased with the accolade as it reflects the rigor and determination I have shown throughout my scholastic and academic studies. Looking back, it marks a happy end to an amazing twenty years as a school student and a university student.”

Promotio sub auspiciis Praesidentis rei publicae
As part of the European Higher Education system and in Austria, the sub auspiciis doctoral graduation is unique and one of Austria's most prestigious academic distinctions. Presented under the auspices of the Federal President Doctoral, graduates at Austrian universities may only be considered for the accolade providing they have passed all upper secondary school classes with distinction, the Matura with distinction, all sections of their Diploma/Bachelor's degree and Master's examinations, as well as the oral defense at the university, with a grade of “1”, or “very good”.

Written academic papers (Diploma or Master's theses and their dissertation) must be graded as “excellent” and certified as “conduct worthy of distinction within – and beyond - academia”. The Ring of Honor bears the federal coat of arms and is inscribed “sub-auspiciis Praesidentis”, symbolizing the highest possible academic distinction for university graduates.

Sub auspiciis doctoral graduates are awarded a one-time Excellence Scholarship of €9,000 by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science & Research, which can be used within a two-year period to finance academic stays abroad, attend conferences, or work on projects in their academic field of expertise.