"Andreas Frommer is one of the leading international experts in the field of numerical linear algebra. His work on applications in lattice gauge theory in particular makes him a beacon of cutting-edge research at the University of Wuppertal," says Professor Stefan Kirsch, Vice-Rector for Research and Digital Affairs. Frommer was also significantly involved in the Collaborative Research Centre "Hadron Physics with Lattice QCD" (2008-2020) funded by the German Research Foundation and continues to be involved in the Collaborative Research Centre "Port-Hamiltonian Systems" (since 2025). "Both research programmes make an outstanding contribution to the national and international visibility of our university," says Kirsch.

With the establishment of the Distinguished Professorship, the University of Wuppertal is creating a structure to utilise the scientific expertise, international reputation and experience of retired professors beyond their active service for the further development of the university. Distinguished Professors are particularly active in research and support the strategic goals of BUW.

In this way, the University of Wuppertal is sending a visible signal of recognition and institutional appreciation of outstanding academic achievements. "The title is a new form of honouring the achievements of older people in particular, who are at the height of their creative powers and whose knowledge the BUW clearly relies on," explains Rector Prof. Dr Birgitta Wolff. "And it opens up good opportunities to remain eligible to apply to important funding bodies beyond the formal age limit and thus remain particularly successful in research."