18.11.2025
The German Physical Society (DPG) awards the Robert Wichard Pohl Prize for 2026 to Prof. Dr. Matthias Bartelmann of Heidelberg University. The award recognizes a scientist who conducts research in theoretical astrophysics and cosmology—and who has, for decades, ensured that physical ideas find their way into young minds and into the public sphere. His textbooks are considered standard works by many students, and his popular-science contributions have had an impact far beyond the university.
For Bartelmann himself, this honor carries special significance. “Communicating physics is just as important to me as working on it and reflecting on it,” he says. As a high school student, he had already begun preparing astronomical topics for the public. Over the years, his interests shifted from astronomy to astrophysics and finally to theoretical physics—yet the desire to convey knowledge in a clear and inspiring way remained. “The prize recognizes what makes my profession so valuable to me: being able to pursue my scientific interests, reflect on their foundations, and present them in ways that evoke enthusiasm.”
A central driving force behind his research is his fascination with the simplicity underlying complexity. Physics, he explains, is a continuous process of abstraction: separating the essential from the inessential and revealing structures that lie hidden. “Long reflection often follows winding paths before reaching a goal where it becomes clear that there are straight, simple routes connecting this goal to what is already known,” he says. “This approach never ceases to fascinate me.”
His dedication to clarity is evident not only in his research but also in his publications. Two essays written for a broad public audience are particularly close to his heart, both dealing with the role of science and the development of physical knowledge: On the Success of Physics – Insights from Empiricism and Theory (2022) and Development of Cosmology: From a Static Universe to Accelerated Expansion (2012). Both texts highlight the close interplay between theoretical reasoning and empirical verification that he considers essential to physics.
Bartelmann has also set important standards in teaching. His comprehensive textbook Theoretical Astrophysics – An Introduction was one of his largest projects as a single author and has helped countless students enter modern astrophysics. And already now, his newest work Moderne Physik 2, written together with Sara Konrad, is shaping up to have a similarly significant impact: it distills central concepts of modern theoretical physics into an exceptionally clear and well-structured presentation.
Bartelmann is widely known for his accessible, precise explanations. The reason for this, he explains, lies in his consistent focus on the ways of thinking that characterize physics. He strives to trace every conclusion back to basic principles and to avoid leaving any statement “hanging in mid-air.” Equally important to him is precise, simple language—whether in lectures, lecture notes, or books.
Teaching, for him, is an ongoing dialogue. Again and again, students surprise or challenge him with questions. “In every one of my lectures there are moments when students question something I had previously taken for granted.” This constant challenge—being pushed by young people to refine explanations and provide deeper justification—is one of the essential appeals of academic teaching, he says: “Those who teach also learn—regardless of the audience.”
To young people considering studying physics, Bartelmann advises patience and self-confidence. One should follow one’s aptitude and interests, and at the same time be willing to invest time, tolerate uncertainty, and work through setbacks. “Don’t hesitate to revisit the same thoughts again and again, as long as this mental spiral staircase keeps leading deeper,” he says, because anything meant to gain real substance must be allowed to mature.
With the Robert Wichard Pohl Prize, the DPG honors not only scientific excellence but also the ability to make knowledge vivid, precise, and accessible—a quality that defines Bartelmann’s work in both research and teaching.
The Faculty of Physics and Astronomy warmly congratulates Prof. Matthias Bartelmann on this special distinction.
On the Success of Physics – Insights from Empiricism and Theory
In: A. Bartels & D. Lehmkuhl (eds.), Why Listen to Science? Springer Nature, 2022
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-662-65688-4
Development of Cosmology: From a Static Universe to Accelerated Expansion
In: B. Falkenburg & W. Rhode (eds.), From Ultra Rays to Astroparticles, Springer, 2012, pp. 49 ff.
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-94-007-5422-5
Theoretical Astrophysics – An Introduction
Lecture Notes in Physics, Heidelberg University Publishing
https://heiup.uni-heidelberg.de/catalog/book/822
Moderne Physik 2 (Sara Konrad & Matthias Bartelmann)
Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University
https://www.thphys.uni-heidelberg.de/~bartelmann/books/modPhys2/
MATTHIAS BARTELMANN
