Cristina Murer honoured at the University of Bern
Last week, the SNSF awarded archaeologist Cristina Murer this year’s Marie Heim-Vögtlin Prize for her research on grave looting and recycling in late antiquity. The ceremony took place at the University of Bern.
Every year, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) awards the Marie Heim-Vögtlin Prize to a researcher who has distinguished herself through excellent research and outstanding career development. “Cristina Murer fulfils these criteria so clearly that she was an easy choice for us,” said Stuart Lane, who is president of the SNSF committee that made the selection.
The award ceremony took place on 12 November 2024 at the University of Bern, where the prizewinner conducted her research on grave looting and recycling in late antiquity from 2018 to 2022.
Original, creative and independent
In her laudatory speech, Veronique Dasen, Professor of Classical Archaeology and Art History at the University of Fribourg, emphasised the originality, creativity and freedom of mind of Cristina Murer's work. She also highlighted the skilful career planning that led to Murer obtaining a professorship at the University of Tübingen in spring 2023 – making her the first woman to be appointed to the Institute of Classical Archaeology.
In this context, Cristina Murer expressed her gratitude not only for the prize, but also for the funding she received from the SNSF during the critical period after her doctorate: “Without the support of my Ambizione grant, I wouldn't be standing here today – and I don't just mean that in a physical sense, but also in terms of my career.”
Career advancement of women
Matthias Egger, President of the Research Council, presented figures showing that it is still not a matter of course that female researchers remain in research after the completion of their doctorate: “Too many drop out, and too often toxic working conditions are a reason for this.” He emphasised the potential impact that the SNSF, as a funder, can have on research culture and career development.
The Marie Heim-Vögtlin Prize has been awarded since 2009. It is named after the first female Swiss doctor and is accompanied by a prize of 25,000 francs.