The Technical University of Munich (TUM) presents the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Medal to individuals who, through their exceptional achievements in science, technology or medicine, have rendered a great service to the university in their capacity as outstanding lecturers and researchers. The award is named after the pioneer of German Neutron Physics, Heinz Maier-Leibnitz, one of the most eminent scientists in the university’s history. Maier-Leibnitz is most famous for having developed the scientific and technical concept for the first neutron source in Germany (the so-called “Atom-Ei” or “atomic egg”, 1957/58), located in Garching. The Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Medal has been awarded since 1997.