German Thesis Award

Every year, we present the German Thesis Award to the best doctoral graduates in Germany from all disciplines. In addition to academic excellence, the Award primarily focuses on the broader social relevance of a particular piece of research. As such, the award encourages young scientists to highlight the value of their research to society and to discuss their work in public.

We award prizes totalling € 135,000 for significant and innovative research, including three top prizes of € 25,000 each. This makes the German Thesis Award one of the most highly endowed prizes awarded to young scientists in the country. The competition is held under the auspices of Bundestag President Julia Klöckner.

Learn more!

German Thesis Award 2026

Psychosoziale Notfallversorgung, selbstbestimmte Identität und sichtbare Proteindynamik: Zu diesen Themen haben die Erstpreisträger 2026 geforscht. Erfahren Sie mehr über alle neun Preistragenden.

Foto: Tobias Koch

“We need creative and dedicated scientists that tackle the pressing challenges of our time.”

Bundestag President Julia Klöckner

About

Kontakt

Friederike Schneider

Programme Director
German Thesis Award, Hamburg Horizons

Nina Ritter

Programme Manager
German Thesis Award

Nadja-Lena Schröder

Programme Manager
German Thesis Award

Luna Tahiya Pujianto

Student assistance

Leonie Lichtenthäler

Student assistance

What else might interest you