Alexa Melcher und Thomas Schiffer–Stiftung

The non-profit Alexa Melcher and Thomas Schiffer Foundation (ALMETES Foundation) was established on July 3, 2023, by the couple Alexa Melcher and Thomas E. Schiffer. It supports young people during their initial studies in future technologies and future-oriented topics through master's or diploma scholarships, as well as supplementary scholarships for study abroad. Furthermore, the foundation annually awards science and research prizes in the categories of Ecological Future Technologies, Economic Future Technologies, and Future Technologies for Humanity. The foundation directly supports selected research projects and finances its activities through donations and endowments. It is a member of the Association of German Foundations.

The ALMETES Foundation aims to support motivated, inquisitive, and highly qualified young individuals who study or conduct research in natural and engineering sciences, biotechnology, AI, medicine, medical technology, or selected future-oriented topics in economics, law, and social sciences. The goal is to strengthen the scientific and technological future security, competitiveness, and innovative capacity of Germany and the EU through scholarships and awards, thereby reinforcing the liberal-democratic social system.

Scholarships: Master's or diploma students (after the intermediate diploma) with German citizenship, in exceptional cases EU citizens; they are pursuing or completing full-time studies in Germany in future technologies and future-oriented topics (e.g., STEM, biotechnology, AI, VR/AR, medicine, medical technology, selected economic and social topics). In exceptional cases, stays abroad (maximum 12 months) or a first degree in an EU member state after a successful bachelor's degree in Germany are supported. Research awards: Early-career researchers for completed dissertations or research projects with significant relevance in the announced categories.