Ditzingen/Berlin, Germany – Peter Leibinger, Chief Technology Officer and Vice Chairman of the Group Management Board of high-tech company TRUMPF, has received the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Conferred by the Federal President, this award pays tribute to the professional and social achievements of individuals who have rendered outstanding services to the nation. Federal Minister of Education and Research Anja Karliczek presented the Cross of Merit to Peter Leibinger on 29 September, 2021.

The Minister highlighted the outstanding dedication that Leibinger has demonstrated over his many years of advisory work for the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. His expertise on research policy and on the promotion of innovation in German industry and society continues to be an extremely valuable resource.

“Quantum technologies and photonics are two areas of scientific know-how that are vitally important to the German economy. Peter Leibinger’s creative ideas, strategic vision and entrepreneurial skills provide a major boost to Germany's efforts to gain a global competitive edge in these fields of innovation,” said Anja Karliczek.

“The benefits of his expertise are not only reflected in the family business, but also in the advice he gives to various government bodies. Peter Leibinger is extremely skilled at bringing together key players from science and industry and uniting them around common goals. This creates important new momentum for government, industry and research. I’m delighted to see these achievements rewarded with Germany's Cross of the Order of Merit.”

Peter Leibinger recently co-chaired the German government's Expert Council on Quantum Computing, in which he collaborated with leading scientists and business representatives to develop a joint national strategy for quantum computing.