For his excellent achievements in combining scientific research, popularization of science, and social engagement

Harald Lesch (* July 28, 1960 in Giessen) is professor of astrophysics at the observatory of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich and lecturer in natural philosophy at the Munich School of Philosophy. In his research and teaching, he combines in a special way the results of modern astrophysics and cosmology with the epistemological foundations of the natural sciences.

Harald Lesch is known to a broad public as a television presenter, lecturer and book author. He began as the presenter of the series alpha-Centauri, which was broadcast from 1998 to 2007. Later, other productions of Bayrischer Rundfunk were added: Lesch & Co. (2001-2006) and Denker des Abendlandes (from 2005). Alpha to Omega (2003-2008) dealt with topics in the area between religion and natural sciences in a conversation between Lesch and the Catholic theologian Thomas Schwartz. Since 2009, Lesch has led the Terra-X series Fascination Universe on ZDF. From 2010 to 2017, he hosted the quarter-hour program Leschs Kosmos on ZDFneo, which was renamed Frag den Lesch in 2013. The Terra X Lesch & Co video channel on YouTube, a ZDF production, sprang from this series.

With his work on television, print and social media, Harald Lesch reaches an audience of millions. He communicates scientific findings in a particularly vivid and entertaining way, while repeatedly highlighting the limits and possibilities of scientific research. Harald Lesch sees his media activities as a social commitment and is involved in many organizations and projects, for example on the advisory board of the Heraeus Education Foundation or as a member of the Bavarian Climate Council. He is involved with Science for Future and develops school projects.

The unparalleled breadth of his scientific and journalistic activities make him a formative figure in the discussion of the scientific foundations of our social development. His achievements in combining scientific research, popularization of science and social commitment, which have already won him many awards, make him an outstanding candidate for the Cultural Award of the Eduard Rhein Foundation.