Klaus von Bismarck Prize

The Klaus von Bismarck Prize honors outstanding scholarly contributions every two years that exemplarily examine the social formative forces of German Protestantism or provide impulses for the further development of Protestant social ethics. The award, endowed with €5,000, is granted nationwide by the Social Protestantism Foundation and recognizes works, projects, or initiatives that combine thematic relevance and innovative potential in their academic quality. The namesake, Klaus von Bismarck, as director of Westdeutscher Rundfunk and president of the Goethe-Institut, set significant accents for social engagement based on Protestant values. An expert jury evaluates the submissions based on scientific quality, practical utility, and their significance for Social Protestantism.

Eligible to participate are individuals, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations that engage in their research, projects, or conceptual initiatives with theological, historical, or societal aspects of Protestant social ethics. A prerequisite for application is a clear reference to the social formative forces of German Protestantism as well as submission in the form of publications, studies, or practical undertakings. The official call for applications is published biennially under “News” on the Foundation’s website. The award ceremony takes place within a public event during which the certificate is presented and the commitment of the laureates is honored. With the Klaus von Bismarck Prize, the Social Protestantism Foundation promotes interdisciplinary dialogue and contributes to strengthening social responsibility from a Christian perspective.