In November 2008, the Humboldt-Universit?ts-Medaille was awarded to Hans Keilson. Until the anniversary of his death in 2011, the award winner was the last living writer whose works were banned under National Socialism. The award honours the life's work of this great writer.
The author once studied at Friedrich Wilhelm University. He graduated in 1934 before emigrating to the Netherlands in 1936. Hans Keilson experienced almost a century of German history first-hand, both in Germany and in exile. In November 2008, the then 98-year-old returned to Humboldt-Universit?t to receive the award.