Supporting innovative teaching: Call for nominations for the 2026 GFF Teaching Awards

The Association of Friends and Sponsors of the TUD Dresden University of Technology e. V. (GFF) is once again announcing teaching awards in various categories for the 2025/2026 academic year. In addition, for the first time, the Teaching Award for Diversity-Sensitive Teaching is being offered in cooperation with the Vice-Rector University Culture. Nominations for the teaching awards can be submitted by all TUD members by August 31, 2026.

Categories of the GFF Teaching Awards

GFF Teaching Award 2026
For the 2025/2026 academic year, the award will specifically recognize outstanding teaching and learning concepts in the area of project-based study. The goal is to support faculty members who, through innovative approaches and excellent teaching methods, actively engage students in the learning process and impart practice-oriented skills.

The total prize money to be awarded to individuals or groups amounts to 3,000 euros. This means that courses from every faculty, as well as from Central Units offering academic programs, have the opportunity to receive a teaching award. Call for Nominations

Teaching Award for Diversity-Sensitive Teaching
Once again this year, TUD is awarding the Best Practice Diversity-Sensitive Teaching Award. The goal of the teaching award is to recognize instructors and/or teaching concepts that address diversity or one or more dimensions of diversity (e.g., gender, health, background, family responsibilities, etc.) in line with TUD’s 2030 Diversity Strategy.

A total of 3,000 euros in prize money is available, sponsored by the Association of Friends and Sponsors of TU Dresden e. V. (GFF). The prize money is earmarked for the further development of teaching. The teaching award will be presented during a ceremony. Call for Nominations

Teaching Award for Student-Led Teaching and Learning Formats at TUD
Eligible for the award are:

• student-developed teaching programs or collaborative student projects that are sustainably integrated into the TUD curriculum
• exceptional student engagement in the implementation of teaching formats
• particularly innovative, creative, or participatory teaching formats designed by students
• exceptional student engagement in the implementation of high school student projects

The total amount of prize money to be awarded to individuals or groups is 3,000 euros. Call for Nominations

Teaching Award for Programs in Teacher Education
Designing teaching and learning formats for student teachers and career changers presents a particular challenge against the backdrop of the transformation of the educational landscape. There is a constant need to impart skills that enable an effective transfer of knowledge to the classroom. Therefore, this Teaching Award is intended to recognize creative and sustainable concepts as well as exceptional dedication.
The total prize money to be awarded amounts to 3,000 euros. Call for Nominations

All members of the TU Dresden community are eligible to submit nominations for the Teaching Awards. The award may be presented to individuals or groups. Nominations can be submitted directly via the website by August 31, 2026.

Contact:

GFF Office
Phone: +49 351 463-34442
Email: