For…Net Award goes to Prof. Anne Paschke and Prof. Sarah Rachut Recognition for outstanding commitment to a digital transformation that serves the public good and ensures legal certainty

Two professors from Technische Universität Braunschweig have been honoured with the 13th For…Net Award. Professor Anne Paschke and Professor Sarah Rachut from the Institute of Law recently received the prize from the Research Centre for IT Law and Network Policy at the 20th International For..Net Symposium in Munich. The award honours individuals who have made a special contribution to digitalisation, the law and the public good.

Professor Anne Paschke and Professor Sarah Rachut received the For…Net Award. Photo credits: © EYE AM CHRIS

The jury commended both laureates for their many years of personal and above-and-beyond commitment to a digital transformation that is not conceived solely in technical terms, but which brings tangible benefits to people, is underpinned by the rule of law and fulfils its social responsibilities.

Professor Anne Paschke was honoured for her outstanding work at the intersection of law, digital administration, agile governance and the digitalisation of the judiciary. Her work embodies a form of digitalisation that takes institutional responsibility seriously. The focus is not on technical feasibility, but on how digital systems can be designed in a manner that respects the rule of law, is subject to democratic scrutiny and is oriented towards the common good.

“This award is a great honour for me and, at the same time, a validation of our research,” says Professor Paschke. “The digital transformation has gained new momentum with the rapid development of artificial intelligence. What still required a great deal of persuasion just a few years ago is now understood by more and more people as a shared task we must shape together. I am particularly pleased by this development.”

Professor Sarah Rachut was honoured for her exceptional commitment to a form of digitalisation that enables participation, safeguards fundamental rights and solves people’s practical problems. The jury recognised her as a scholar who does not treat digitalisation in abstract terms, but always asks how legal frameworks can enable innovation whilst at the same time safeguarding freedom, equality, fairness and trust.

“Science has the greatest impact when it takes place in dialogue with business, government and society,” says Professor Rachut. “In my view, the realisation of fundamental rights in digital contexts is a key factor in a successful digital transformation; it ensures that spaces for freedom are preserved, participation is enabled and, in this way, trust in the rule of law is strengthened.”

About the For…Net Award

Initiated by the Research Centre for IT Law and Network Policy at the University of Passau (For..Net) and continued since 2020 by the TUM Centre for Digital Public Services in collaboration with the Bavarian Research Institute for Digital Transformation, the award honours individuals, institutions or projects that have made outstanding contributions to digitalisation in the public interest. The winner is selected by a jury comprising high-calibre representatives from academia and the professional world.