14 September 2011
State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Justice Dr Birgit Grundmann and former EPO President Alison Brimelow
Alison Brimelow, who served as President of the EPO for three years from 2007 to 2010 has been awarded the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Grosses Bundesverdienstkreuz).
In a ceremony in Berlin, the State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Dr Birgit Grundmann, made particular mention of Alison Brimelow's pioneer role as the first woman President of the EPO and her achievements in reforming and guiding the Office through a time of financial crisis, as well as her personal engagement in the life of her adopted city of Munich.
The Order of Merit of the Federal, Republic of Germany was instituted in 1951 by Federal President Theodor Heuss. It is the only honour that may be awarded in all fields of endeavour and is the highest tribute the Federal Republic of Germany can pay to individuals for services to the nation.
