Hans Riegel Awards 2025

On November 13, the Technical University of Dresden (TU Dresden) presented the Hans Riegel Awards 2025, celebrating the scientific curiosity and commitment of students from across Saxony. At a festive ceremony attended by parents and teachers, 16 awardees were honored for their very first academic papers (Facharbeit) at school. This special recognition highlights that the Hans Riegel Awards are designed to support young talents taking their first independent steps into the world of research.

The range of awarded topics reflects the diversity and relevance of student research: from microbiological analyses and sustainable construction to innovative computer technologies, fundamental mathematics, cybersecurity, and environmental indicators. The winning projects span six subject areas: Biology (3 awards), Chemistry (3), Physics (3), Computer Science (3), Geography (2), and Mathematics (2). These results demonstrate that, even with their first academic papers, students are tackling complex and socially significant questions.

A total of 13 secondary schools from Saxony participated in the competition, including Martin-Andersen-Nexö-Gymnasium Dresden, Karl-Heine-Schule – Berufliches Schulzentrum der Stadt Leipzig, Gymnasium Dresden-Plauen, DPFA-Regenbogen-Schulen Rabenau (Berufliches Gymnasium), Gymnasium Brandis, Evangelisches Schulzentrum Muldental e.V., Lößnitzgymnasium Radebeul, Marie-Curie-Gymnasium Dresden, Julius-Ambrosius-Hülße-Gymnasium, Wilhelm-Ostwald-Schule – Gymnasium der Stadt Leipzig, Martin-Luther-Gymnasium Hartha, Evangelisches Kreuzgymnasium Dresden, and Carl-von-Bach-Gymnasium. Notably, Gymnasium Dresden Plauen and Martin-Andersen-Nexö-Gymnasium Dresden, both long-standing cooperation schools of TU Dresden, were again represented with award-winning projects.

A special sign of the close link between schools and the university: Two of this year’s awardees are already enrolled as early students at TU Dresden, combining school excellence with university-level research. The Hans Riegel Awards thus serve not only to recognize outstanding student achievements but also as a targeted tool for recruiting future students for TU Dresden. Through close cooperation with schools, talented students are inspired early to pursue university studies and are introduced to scientific work.

The award ceremony at TU Dresden was not only a scientific but also a social event. The presence of parents and teachers emphasized the importance of support and recognition for young talents. The awarded academic papers address topics that are also central to university research at TU Dresden—from microbiome analysis and cybersecurity to sustainable architecture.

With the Hans Riegel Awards, students are honored for their first academic papers and gain early insights into the world of research. This format strengthens the link between schools and the university, laying the foundation for successful academic careers—to the benefit of TU Dresden, the region, and society.