Helmholtz High Impact Award

The Helmholtz High Impact Award honors interdisciplinary research teams every two years that, through novel approaches, have the potential to act as game changers and sustainably shape key challenges in science, economy, or society. The award recognizes a jointly developed project that has been carried out within the last three years at a member institution of the Helmholtz Association. At least one team member must belong to a Helmholtz institution. The award, endowed with €80,000, acknowledges the innovative content and pioneering nature of the results, for example in the form of publications, prototypes, or patents, as well as the societal and scientific impact potential. Only proposals nominated by the boards of the Helmholtz Centers or jury members are eligible—self-nominations are excluded.

The prize is aimed nationwide at public institutions and supports highly innovative, interdisciplinary projects addressing major challenges. The evaluation is based on the strength of innovation, interdisciplinarity, and the prospect of sustainable benefits for science, economy, or society. Nominations are possible until September 18, 2026. The jury will make its decision in November 2026, with the ceremonial award presentation taking place in the first half of 2027. The Donors' Association for the Promotion of Sciences and Humanities in Germany awards the Helmholtz High Impact Award together with the Helmholtz Association, thereby emphasizing the commitment to outstanding research approaches that open new avenues and fundamentally advance established methods.