Jena, February 26, 2026. For her outstanding voluntary commitment to social cohesion, Jena resident Dr. Barbara Albrethsen-Keck has been awarded the Cross of Merit on Ribbon (Bundesverdienstkreuz am Bande). Thuringia’s Prime Minister Mario Voigt ceremoniously presented the honor, awarded by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, at the Thüringer Staatskanzlei.
- Award: Cross of Merit on Ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Recipient: Dr. Barbara Albrethsen-Keck (Jena)
- Engagement (Selection): ADFC Jena-Saaletal, bicycle school for female refugees, Bürgerstiftung Jena-Saale-Holzland
- Location of presentation: Thüringer Staatskanzlei, Erfurt
A life for cycling culture and integration
The heart of Dr. Barbara Albrethsen-Keck’s commitment lies in promoting local cycling culture and social integration in Jena. She has been an active member of the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC) since 1997 and served as the head of the regional association ADFC Jena-Saaletal for many years. Under her leadership, the association developed into an important local voice for the mobility transition and safe cycle paths.
Special recognition was also given to her innovative work in refugee aid: she founded her own bicycle school for female refugees. This project has so far enabled more than 200 participants not only to learn how to ride a bike but also offered them an important piece of mobility, independence, and social participation in everyday life.
Diverse commitment in educational work
In addition to the transport sector, the committed Jena resident is intensively dedicated to voluntary educational work. She supervises projects with children, young people, and students to impart knowledge and social skills. Since 2019, she has also been actively contributing her many years of experience to the work of the Bürgerstiftung Jena-Saale-Holzland.
Background: The Federal Cross of Merit and local volunteering
The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, colloquially known as the Bundesverdienstkreuz, is the highest recognition expressed by the Federal Republic for services to the common good. It is awarded for special political, economic-social, and intellectual achievements.
In a city characterized by students and science like Jena, bicycle traffic plays a central role. The work of local actors such as the ADFC contributes significantly to making urban infrastructure safer. Likewise, the Bürgerstiftung Jena-Saale-Holzland acts as an important link for civic engagement: it networks voluntary initiatives, collects donations, and promotes projects that sustainably strengthen social cohesion in the region.
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Federal Order of Merit for committed Jena resident
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.