On 16 December 2025, Professor Emeritus Dr. Thomas Risse delivered an inspiring farewell lecture on the topic of 'Building Bridges' at the Henry Ford Building, bidding farewell to his roles as director of the Centre for Transnational Relations, Foreign and Security Policy, and senior professor at the Cluster of Excellence 'Contestations of the Liberal Script' (SCRIPTS). 

In his talk, titled 'On the Sense (and Nonsense) of Building Bridges', he took the audience on a journey through history, while also offering a cautionary outlook on the future. Reflecting on his interdisciplinary career and productive collaborations with colleagues from a wide range of institutions, he used various types of bridges as examples to illustrate the increasingly difficult task of dealing with enemies of democracy and free research.

The evening began with a welcome address from Prof. Dr. Diana Panke, Thomas Risse's successor. This was followed by tributes to Thomas Risse's career at Freie Universität Berlin as a bridge builder from the President of the university, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Günter Ziegler and the Dean of the Department of Political and Social Sciences and spokesperson for the Cluster of Excellence 'Contestations of the Liberal Script'. Warm greetings also came from the world of politics: Dr. Ina Czyborra, the Senator for Science, Health and Care, conveyed her appreciation and best wishes with a digital address.

A particular highlight was the subsequent panel discussion. Close colleagues Dr. Marianne Beisheim, Prof. Emerita Dr. Marianne Braig, Prof. Dr. Nicole Deitelhoff and Andrea Güttner spoke on stage about shared milestones. Their contributions made one thing very clear: Thomas Risse's departure will leave a void, both as a scientist but also as a colleague and bridge builder.

After the ceremony, the reception in the foyer of the Henry Ford Building provided an ideal setting for personal farewells. Guests, friends and companions came together to celebrate and reminisce over finger food and lively conversation.