What does the award stand for?

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. Die Junge Akademie finds it especially important that researchers in the early stages of their careers benefit from guidance, encouragement, motivation, and development opportunities. The aim of the award is to establish the quality of a research environment as a key attribute for scientific and research organisations and to encourage institutions to actively shape these environments. We are also looking to stimulate debate about the characteristics and qualities of a good research environment.

Who can apply?

The award is intended to benefit participants in science and research. 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.

Who is excluded from applying?

Current members of Die Junge Akademie are excluded from the competition. Alumni of Die Junge Akademie are also excluded for a period of three years after the end of their membership.
Jury members of the current competition round are also not eligible to apply.

Research environments that were shortlisted in 2025 are not eligible to reapply.

What is a “research environment”?

The term “research environment” encompasses various forms of collaboration, including: research groups (>2 persons) or research departments (>2 working groups), graduate school, institute, research network, informal or formal networks, and horizontal or vertical structures. A research environment can also be digital.

Where to apply and what the application should include

All applications must be submitted via the website of Die Junge Akademie. When submitting, applicants will be asked to provide information about the persons nominating as well as a brief description of the research environment (1,000 characters). This description should encompass research topics, location, size, and members of the environment.

In addition, applicants should include detailed argumentation as to

• why they consider their research environment to be the best and why it deserves an award.
• how the research environment promotes research and the personal development of its members (e.g. the nominators), and how these aspects in turn foster development and career advancement opportunities (both within and outside the current research environment).

Specific examples of both top-down and bottom-up initiatives that have already been implemented, for example with respect to team building and group identity, promotion of creativity, support and feedback culture, recognition of success, dealing with mistakes, diversity, and communication make the application stronger, as does an indication of the future development of the research environment.

Who chooses the best research environment?

The selection committee comprises members and alumnae of Die Junge Akademie from various disciplines, a representative from the Volkswagen Foundation, and well-known individuals from the scientific and research community.

What criteria are used to the assess the applications?

The selection committee takes the following aspects into account:

• The research environment has a clear concept and/or a clear identity, from which its individual aspects, activities, and structures are derived.
• The structure of the research environment is differentiated, with transparent, clearly defined roles and the integration of all members.
• Communication channels and tools are clearly defined and established and also make use of new formats/tools to promote cooperation-based research that benefits the individuals involved.
• Innovative activities improve the research conditions and contribute to both research success and members’ personal development.
• The research environment breaks new ground and serves as a source of inspiration.
• Links to other stakeholders and networks embed the research environment in the broader scientific landscape and help it achieve its goals.
• The structure of the research environment has demonstrably led to better research and career development.
• There are clear plans to further develop the research environment going forward.

Is there prize money and how can it be used?

The selection committee will shortlist around 15 research environments. All candidates on the shortlist are equally deserving of the award. The five teams that receive the prize money will be determined by lottery. The teams selected will each receive prize money of €10,000 from the Volkswagen Foundation. The prize money will be made available to the winners by Die Junge Akademie for the purpose of advancing their research (see funding conditions).