Prof. Rainer Forst, political scientist and philosopher at Goethe University, was awarded the Goethe Plaque of the City of Frankfurt on September 4, 2025. Since 1947, the plaque has been awarded to personalities who have rendered “outstanding services to cultural life in Frankfurt through their creative work”.
Upon presenting Forst with the Goethe Plaque in the Römer’s Kaisersaal, Frankfurt’s Mayor Mike Josef said: “Rainer Forst has achieved a great deal for Frankfurt as a center of science. He has shaped academic discussions far beyond Frankfurt’s borders. I am proud to be able to honor him for this today on behalf of the City of Frankfurt.” Ina Hartwig, Head of the Department of Culture and Science, also emphasized Forst’s ability to make complex political philosophy understandable for everyone. “I am very pleased that he has always remained loyal to Frankfurt, which is not a matter of course, especially in the academic world.” Rainer Forst is co-founder and co-director of the Research Center Normative Orders at Goethe University Frankfurt, director of the Justitia Center for Advanced Studies and co-spokesperson of the research initiative ConTrust, which deals with issues of trust. ConTrust is a joint initiative of Goethe University and the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF).
In its press release, the City of Frankfurt pointed out that Forst advises political parties and ministries, gives lectures and contributes to social debates. His research on fundamental questions of philosophy often focuses on key issues relating to society, democracy and tolerance.
The full press release is available on the City of Frankfurt’s website.
