Félix Streicher wins Luxembourg award for outstanding PhD thesis

Félix Streicher, who obtained his PhD cum laude at Maastricht University's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS) in 2025, has received the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) Award for Outstanding PhD Thesis. His dissertation, The Forgotten Occupation: Politics, Everyday Life, and Gender in the Luxembourg Occupation Zone in Germany (1945–55), was recognised for its outstanding scientific quality.

Félix was one of two researchers to receive the award this year. The FNR presents the prize annually to recognise an exceptional doctoral dissertation, with two awards granted only in exceptional cases. As the competition spans all academic disciplines, Félix's achievement is particularly noteworthy. Maastricht University was also the only foreign university represented among this year's award recipients.

Uncovering a forgotten chapter of European history

Following the Second World War, Luxembourg occupied two German districts for ten years, a largely forgotten chapter of European history. In his doctoral research, Félix explored how this occupation shaped the lives of ordinary people in their homes, villages, workplaces and personal relationships.

Drawing on archival research across six countries and interviews with witnesses, his thesis examines how power, emotions and changing gender roles influenced everyday life under occupation. His findings shed light on the human experiences behind this historical period and demonstrate the continued relevance of studying occupation today.

Félix completed his PhD at FASoS under the supervision of Georgi Verbeeck and Camilo Erlichman, graduating cum laude in 2025.

Recognition at awards gala in Luxembourg

The award was presented on 22 October 2026 at a gala at the Maison des Arts et des Étudiants in Esch-Belval, Luxembourg. Luxembourg's Minister for Research and Education, Stéphanie Obertin, presented the prize to Félix in the presence of members of parliament and the press. His supervisors, Georgi Verbeeck and Camilo Erlichman, also attended the ceremony.

As part of the event, the FNR presented a video introducing Félix's research and highlighting the significance of his findings.

Watch the video about Félix's research: The Forgotten Occupation – FNR

Photo credit: FNR/Steve Ginepri