Honorary Doctorate for Caren Sureth-Sloane

In the second part of the 2021 CAR Symposium, an honorary doctorate of the University of Graz (Dr. rer. soc. oec. h.c.) was awarded to Prof. Caren Sureth-Sloane. Since 2004, Caren Sureth-Sloane has been holding the Chair of Business Administration, especially Business Taxation, at the University of Paderborn. She is also a visiting professor at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. Caren Sureth-Sloane is the spokesperson for the DFG-funded collaborative research center “TRR 266: Accounting for Transparency” as well as a senior member of various working groups on taxation. Her research focus lies on the effects of taxes on risky investments, as well as on international business taxation and tax complexity. Caren Sureth-Sloane is a long-time collaborator of various members of the CAR faculty. In recognition of her outstanding scientific achievements, the Faculty Council of the School of Business, Economics, and Social Sciences proposed an honorary doctorate for Caren Sureth-Sloane, which was approved by the University Senate. This part of the CAR Symposium was joined by many family members, friends, and colleagues of Caren Sureth-Sloane.The ceremony started with welcome addresses by Prof. Martin Polaschek, Rector of the University, and Prof. Heinz Königsmaier, Dean of Studies of the School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences. The academic CV of the honorary doctoral candidate, Caren Sureth-Sloane, was presented by Prof. Rainer Niemann, Deputy Director of CAR and Chairman of the University Senate. He highlighted Caren Sureth-Sloane’s academic positions, her outstanding service to the scientific community, and her editorial functions. The laudatory speech was held online by Prof. Franz W. Wagner, who is professor emeritus at the University of Tübingen, and one of Germany’s most prominent tax researchers. He emphasized Caren SurethSloane’s remarkable research output in various areas of taxation, but also her social skills and her importance for the German and Austrian business tax community. The official handing over of the honorary doctorate was then done by Rector Martin Polaschek und Dean of Studies Heinz Königsmaier.In her acceptance speech entitled “Steuerwirkungen in Zeiten des Wandels“ (tax effects in times of change), Caren Sureth-Sloane drew a wide picture of important topics, open questions, and future developments of tax research. She highlighted the relevance of tax uncertainty and tax complexity on taxpayers’ perceived tax burden. The audience showed their appreciation with standing ovations. The ceremony was closed with a reception in the assembly hall of the University of Graz.