Sustainable internationalisation and internationality are key elements for the University of Wuppertal to position itself in the global competition in teaching, research and transfer. The "Weltlöwe", which has been awarded annually since 2012, has established itself as an award for the commitment of professors or academic staff who have rendered outstanding services to internationalisation and/or the internationality of the university.

The university management provides an overarching orientation and development framework for successful internationalisation: Through professionally and efficiently organised central infrastructures, such as the International Center as a central operating unit; through the provision of resources (e.g. the Rectorate Fund for Internationalisation); and through the removal of obstacles and the creation of incentives (e.g. the "Weltlöwe").

The prize money of EUR 6,000 can be used by the award winner for international projects in teaching and research as well as to promote existing or planned activities, measures and international cooperation.

Previously honoured:

• 2023: Prof. Dr Manuel Löwer, school of mechanical engineering and safety engineering, press release (in German)
• 2022: Prof Dr Roy Sommer, School of Humanities and Cultural Studies, press release (in German)
• 2021: Prof Dr Ralph Radach, School of Human and Social Sciences, for the press release (in German)
• 2020: not awarded due to the corona pandemic
• 2019: Prof Dr Jörg Rinklebe, Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering
• 2018: Prof. Dr Per Jensen, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
• 2017: Prof Dr Matei Chihaia, School of Humanities and Cultural Studies
• 2016: Prof. Dr Margareta Heilmann and Prof. Dr Torsten Benter, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
• 2015: Prof Dr Heinz Sünker, School of Human and Social Sciences
• 2014: Dr Stephan Nowotnick, School of Humanities and Cultural Studies
• 2013: Prof. Dr Ursula Kocher and Dr Ralf Heiderhoff, School of Humanities and Cultural Studies and Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Information Technology and Media Studies
• 2012: Prof. Dr Matthias Ehrhardt, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences