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“Best Research Environment” award

Open, creative, supportive! Die Junge Akademie and the Volkswagen Foundation are jointly launching a new award for the best research environment.

General information

A good research environment promotes good science and research by cultivating individual strengths which combine to form a greater whole that benefits everyone. For scientists and researchers it is important to be part of a research environment that provides room for creativity, fosters successful work, and aims to create a positive working atmosphere.

If you share this view and believe that your research environment is worthy of being considered the best, you are invited to apply for the Best Research Environment 2024 award. Applications can be submitted up to 18 November 2024. 10,000 euros in prize money awaits the winning teams!

Die Junge Akademie is the world’s first academy for scientists and researchers in the early and middle stages of their careers and has become an important voice in Germany’s science system over the course of its almost 25-year history. In cooperation with the Volkswagen Foundation it is now launching the inaugural award for the best research environment.

Application process exclusively online: application form
Application deadline: 18 November 2024
Presentation of award: 7 June 2025
Contact details: Dr. Alexandra Heidle-Chhatwani forschungsumfeld@diejungeakademie.de

Funding conditions

The prize money is earmarked for specific purposes, and should be used as follows:

  • The prize money is to be invested in the named research environment and used for team-building measures or to further develop cooperation-based work, for example in the form of retreats, coaching, or further education and training. Financing of basic office furniture or IT hardware is not permitted.

  • The funding is to be used according to the principle of economic efficiency and thrift.

  • The Volkswagen Foundation has provided the funding for specific purposes, and thus the following conditions are to be considered: Funding principles

  • The appropriate use of funds is to be documented and reported to Die Junge Akademie.

  • Current members of Die Junge Akademie may not apply for the award.

FAQ

About the Volkswagen Foundation

With its profile area ‘Understanding Research’, the Volkswagen Foundation opens up spaces for reflection and supports structural changes in the science system. One thematic focus is on the diversity of scientific culture(s). Further information on the Volkswagen Foundation can be found here.

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