ZukunftsWissen - Early Career Award from Leopoldina and Commerzbank Foundation

The "ZukunftsWissen" prize is awarded to scientists who have made outstanding achievements in the respective subject area of the Leopoldina Annual Assembly and whose research focuses on the challenges of the future. The "reference to the general topic" can be broadly defined and can come from all disciplines represented at the Leopoldina (mathematics, natural and technical sciences, life sciences, medicine, humanities, social and behavioral sciences). Interdisciplinary research is particularly welcome. The prize is awarded at the annual meeting and is linked to the obligation of the prizewinner to give a public lecture there. As an "Early Career", the Leopoldina's Presidium recognizes scientific achievements up to a maximum of 10 years after the doctorate. The theme of the 2026 Annual Assembly is
"Autonomy"

Only members of the Leopoldina can nominate. The following documents must be submitted:

• Detailed justification of the proposal (laudation) (2-3 pages)
• Curriculum vitae showing the date of the candidate's doctorate
• List of publications

Nominations can be submitted in German or English. Self-applications cannot be considered.

Deadline for submission to the University Executive Board: February 11, 2026 to the Office of the Rector/Academic Committees, Mandy Dziubanek, e-mail .

Further information: FutureKnowledge