The Abraham Gottlob Werner Gold Medal was awarded to Dr. Heidi Höfer (Institute of Geosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt). In 2001, Heidi Höfer assumed the voluntary role of Press Officer of the German Mineralogical Society. Beginning with the Year of the Geosciences in 2002, she has since rendered extraordinary service to mineralogical science through her work in public outreach. With great energy and her characteristic personal charm, she has launched and successfully implemented numerous initiatives over the past decade. Her activities range from highly visible public exhibitions, such as a “Diamond Booth” during the Geosciences Fair in Cologne and an exhibition display at Frankfurt Airport during the Year of the Geosciences, to the annual development and publication of new brochures, promotional and educational materials on mineralogy for school pupils, students, and the interested public, as well as the successful presentation of the DMG with its own exhibition booths at national and international conferences.

In addition, Heidi Höfer has rendered outstanding service as the principal organizer of major international conferences in mineralogy held in Frankfurt am Main. The great success of the 10th International Symposium on Experimental Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry in 2004, the 9th International Kimberlite Conference in 2008, and the 1st European Mineralogical Conference in 2012 was due in no small part to her dedication and organizational skills. Heidi Höfer has given German mineralogy a face, both nationally and internationally.