Scientific Awards of the German Research Foundation (DFG)

The German Research Foundation (DFG) honors outstanding research achievements in Germany with its scientific awards, thereby promoting scientific excellence across all disciplines. As continuously announced awards, they recognize both established scientists and early-career researchers, for example with the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize for exceptional achievements, the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize for excellent early work, or the Communicator Prize for exemplary science communication. Additional honors acknowledge innovative contributions in geosciences, mathematics, and animal welfare in research. The prize money and awards provide impetus for new projects and strengthen international exchange, for instance through the biennially awarded Copernicus Prize for German-Polish research collaboration.

Scientists and researchers from all disciplines can be nominated for the awards or propose themselves. Private applicants benefit from transparent allocation procedures and low-threshold access to information about calls and nominations. The ongoing funding opportunity ensures that outstanding achievements can be recognized at any time. The diverse honors of the DFG offer not only public recognition but also a platform for expanding networks and interdisciplinary cooperation. Interested parties are encouraged to inform themselves about the specific nomination conditions and deadlines and to bring outstanding research achievements to the attention of the review panels.