Bertha Benz Prize of the Daimler and Benz Foundation

The Bertha Benz Prize of the Daimler and Benz Foundation annually honors outstanding dissertations by young engineers in Germany whose research results achieve a significant societal benefit. Named after the pioneer Bertha Benz, who undertook the world’s first long-distance automobile journey over 130 years ago, the prize aims to promote pioneering spirit, courage, and visionary character. With an endowment of €15,000, the award not only provides financial recognition but also offers laureates a national platform to advance innovative engineering solutions. Nominations are made by governing bodies of universities, universities of applied sciences, and independent research institutes—self-nominations are excluded.

Eligible are engineers holding a doctoral degree (Dr.-Ing.) awarded no more than one year ago, with a dissertation graded “magna cum laude” or “summa cum laude.” Up to three candidates may be nominated per institution. Required documents include, among others, the nomination letter, doctoral certificate, complete dissertation, a three-page summary of the central research findings, a tabular CV, publication list, and two letters of recommendation. The jury evaluates not only the scientific originality but especially the practical relevance and societal impact of the work, as well as personal commitment and extracurricular activities. Nominations can be submitted exclusively online until March 1, 2026 (midnight). The Bertha Benz Prize thus offers young engineers a unique opportunity to highlight their dissertation and be recognized as pioneers in engineering.