Dr. Elke Göbel and Dr. Rainer Göbel have been closely associated with JGU for many years. Both completed their physics studies here and, as alumni, maintain intensive contact with their alma mater. They support numerous university projects and facilities and are also involved in the board of trustees of the Freunde der Universität Mainz e. V.

As a special expression of their connection, the couple founded the Drs. Elke and Rainer Göbel Foundation in 2017. The foundation contributes primarily to the promotion of international students in physics and aims to strengthen the connection of graduates from the entire faculty with JGU.

Once a year, the Drs. Elke and Rainer Göbel Foundation also awards a dissertation prize for a doctorate completed at the faculty of Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Science. The prize is ceremoniously awarded at JGU’s Dies Academicus.

In addition to the Drs. Elke and Rainer Göbel Foundation, the Göbel couple also established the Drs. Göbel Climate Foundation in 2021, which is dedicated to climate research and the promotion and mentoring of young research talents in this field at JGU. In 2023, the Göbel couple founded their third foundation at JGU, the Drs. Göbel Foundation for Music , which is committed to the promotion of arts and culture, science and research, as well as education, and general and vocational training, including student support, at the School of Music.