Die Junge Akademie and the Volkswagen Foundation have jointly announced the prize for the best research environment in 2026.

“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.

At least two members of a research environment can jointly submit an application. 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.

Five teams will be selected at random from a shortlist and each will receive €10,000.

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.”

Applications may be submitted by 1 March 2026.

Further information may be found here: https://www.diejungeakademie.de/en/projekte/best-research-environment-award?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Bestes+Forschungsumfeld+2026