Honorary President

The awarding of the title Honorary President is the highest honor of the German Ornithological Society. It recognizes former presidents who have distinguished themselves in a special way through exceptional and long-standing service to the Society and to the promotion of ornithology. Honorary Presidents represent the DOG externally and remain closely connected to the Society as important figures.

Download Code of Honor

Franz Bairlein
Honorary President since 2015

Prof. Dr. Franz Bairlein was President of the DOG from 2002 to 2012 and was appointed Honorary President in 2015. Under his leadership, the Journal of Ornithology developed into a leading international scientific journal. With his research on bird migration and as President of the International Ornithological Union, he has also left a lasting mark on ornithology internationally.

Erwin Stresemann
Honorary President 1968 – 1972

After 46 years on the board and as long-standing president, Prof. Dr. Erwin Stresemann was appointed honorary president of the DOG in 1968. With his scholarly work, his role as editor of the Journal of Ornithology, and as a mentor to entire generations, he shaped the society in a lasting way and made it internationally leading.

Anton Reichenow
Honorary President 1934 – 1941

On the occasion of his 87th birthday, Geheimrat Prof. Dr. Anton Reichenow (1847-1941), longtime Secretary General of the DOG (1894 to 1922), was appointed Honorary President in 1934. In this way, the society honored the “grand master of ornithology,” who had been a member since 1868 and had significantly shaped the DOG over many decades.

Ernst Hartert
Honorary President 1933

At the 51st annual meeting of the DOG, which took place in 1933 in Königsberg and at the Rossitten Bird Observatory, Dr. Ernst Hartert (1859-1933) was appointed Honorary President. In doing so, the society honored the “dean of German ornithologists” for his outstanding lifetime achievements and his lasting significance for ornithology.

Herman Schalow
Honorary President 1924 – 1925

In January 1924, the DOG appointed Herman Schalow (1852–1925) as Honorary Chairman. He had previously led the society for 15 years, from 1907 to 1921, as chairman. With this appointment, it honored his many years of dedication and the donation of his extensive library, which still forms part of the DOG's scientific heritage today.

Karl Möbius
Honorary President 1891 – 1908

In 1891, the DOG appointed the zoologist and ecologist Karl August Möbius (1825-1908), director of the Museum of Natural History in Berlin, as its Honorary President. In doing so, it honored one of the most important natural scientists of his time, whose work on the aesthetics of animals continues to have an impact to this day.

Contact

Honorary President Prof. Dr. Franz Bairlein

franz.bairlein@ifv-vogelwarte.de Fokus

Bird migration research, migratory bird conservation

Former Director of the Institute of Avian Research "Vogelwarte Helgoland" in Wilhelmshaven; since 2020 Max Planck Fellow at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Radolfzell

Honorary President of the DOG since 2015
President of the DOG from 2002-2012
Editor of the Journal of Ornithology
(since 1998)

FAQ Honorary President/Patroness

How does one become honorary president?

Proposals for appointment as honorary president can be submitted by the board or by at least five members. The board reviews these and decides by simple majority.

What privileges are there?

Honorary presidents are exempt from membership fees, receive all DOG publications free of charge, have free access to congresses and events, and are listed by name on the website. In addition, they have voting rights on the advisory board, are members of the extended executive board, and may represent the DOG at official events.

Can honorary presidency be revoked?

Yes. The Executive Board may revoke the honorary presidency by simple majority if the person’s conduct conflicts with the DOG’s goals, values, or reputation (e.g., in the case of criminal acts, discrimination, public defamation, or abuse of the position).

Is there a charter?

Yes. The Honor Code of the DOG governs the awarding of honorary memberships, the title of Honorary President, and the appointment of corresponding members.

Franz Bairlein Honorary President since 2015

Erwin Stresemann Honorary President 1968 – 1972

Anton Reichenow Honorary President 1934 – 1941

Ernst Hartert Honorary President 1933

Herman Schalow Honorary President 1924 – 1925

Karl Möbius Honorary President 1891 – 1908