“Best Research Environment” award (apply by 1 Mar 2026)
Die Junge Akademie and the Volkswagen Foundation are once again jointly offering the prize for the best research environment in 2026. Five teams will be selected at random from a shortlist and each will receive €10,000. The award emphasises the significance of a good research environment for scientific performance, and support and appreciation for each individual researcher, as well as honouring each research community member’s contribution to scientific progress.
Applications are possible until 1 March 2026.
Eligibility:
At least two members of a research environment can jointly submit an application. The research environment must be primarily based in the German science system. The nominating researchers should also be in an early-to-middle stage of their careers (i.e. master’s or doctoral students, postdocs, up to R3) or be part of an environment that supports scientific activities, provided they are directly involved in research. At the time of application, the research environment must have been in existence for at least two years.
For further information on terms and conditions or the application procedure of the the ‘Best Research Environment’ award, please visit the homepage or contact forschungsumfeld@diejungeakademie.de.