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Prize for courageous science

Thisaward for courageous science (external link), which is unique in Germany, honors scientists whose research is characterized by extraordinary, courageous, and innovative approaches. The award honors young, outstanding researchers from universities and research institutions in Baden-Württemberg who have achieved success against the expectations of their peers, prevailed against resistance, and/or engaged in preliminary work that has "failed" productively, thereby enabling new discoveries.

The prize for courageous science is endowed with €30,000.

Prize for courageous science
The award ceremony

The prize for courageous science is awarded every two years to innovative scientists. The competition is held in conjunction with the State Research Prize (internal link)and alternates annually with the State Teaching Prize (external link).

Potential candidates are nominated by the country's scientific institutions. In addition, candidates have the right to nominate themselves. The award is decided by an interdisciplinary jury consisting of renowned scientists and the presidents of the Max Planck Society and the German Research Foundation. The Academy chairs the jury.

The prize may be awarded to several people at the same time.

The prize foundation

Since 2016, the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities has been awarding the Prize for Courageous Science in collaboration with theMinistry of Science, Research, and the Arts (external link). It is awarded every two years. 

The award ceremony will take place together with theState Research Prize (internal link), which has been in existence since 1989. The two prizes will be advertised together.

The award winners
yearAward winners
2024Prof. Dr. Kira Rehfeld, Center for Geo and Environmental Research, University of Tübingen
2022
  • Dr. Katrin Schmelz, University of Konstanz
  • Dr. Sireen El Zaatari, University of Tübingen
2020Dr. Jennifer Wagner, Heidelberg University, Center for Astronomy
2018Prof. Dr. Sabine Gabrysch, Heidelberg Institute for Global Health
2016
  • Prof. Dr. Erik Schäffer, University of Tübingen
  • Dr. Ferdinand Ludwig, University of Stuttgart