Reichart Prize – Erfurt Young Talent Award for Applied Sciences

The Academy of Public Sciences in Erfurt, in cooperation with the city of Erfurt, the University of Erfurt and the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt, is awarding the Reichart Prize 2026, Erfurt Young Talent Prize for Applied Science. It is presented annually by the Lord Mayor of the city and the President of the Academy around the time of Reichart's birthday.

The prize is named after Christian Reichart (4 July 1685 – 30 July 1775) from Erfurt, whose practical scientific versatility is exemplary for the interdisciplinary prize for young scientists. After studying law and music at the universities of Erfurt and Jena, Reichart worked as an organist, organ builder, in fire protection and civil defence, managed the family horticultural business, became mayor and council master, and is considered an entrepreneur in horticulture and seed trading, as well as the founder and pioneer of commercial horticulture in Erfurt. Between 1753 and 1774, his ‘Land- und Gartenschatz’ (Land and Garden Treasure) was published in six volumes, a standard work in German-language horticultural literature. In 1754, Reichart became a founding member and senator of the third oldest German academy, then known as the Academie nützlicher Wissenschaften zu Erfurt (Academy of Useful Sciences in Erfurt).

The Reichart Prize, worth 2,000 euros, is to be awarded to graduation theses in any scientific discipline that demonstrate a clear practical application. The aim of this award is the common good, as expressed in the program of the Erfurt Academy and in the life's work of Christian Reichart. The award ceremony will take place at the Academy's formal session on June 20, 2026, in Erfurt. Applications are requested by March 15, 2026, to: Akademie gemeinnütziger Wissenschaften zu Erfurt, Preisfindungskommission Reichart 2026, Gotthardtstraße 21, 99084 Erfurt. (Email for inquiries and electronic applications: frank.hellwig@uni-jena.de). Further information can also be found at the following link:

https://www.akademie-erfurt.de/index.php/akademie/wissenschaftspreise.