Bielefeld Science Award

Call for nominations 2026

Justified nominations from Germany and abroad are now being accepted for the Bielefeld Science Prize 2026.

Every two years, the Bielefeld Science Prize is awarded to outstanding researchers whose work is committed to the principle of interdisciplinary and open-ended research. The prize is endowed with €25,000 and is awarded by the Sparkasse Bielefeld Foundation on behalf of the science city on the Teutoburg Forest.

The prize is dedicated to the memory of sociologist Niklas Luhmann, who became the first professor at the newly founded University of Bielefeld in 1969. His aim was to formulate a theory of modern society based on his broad interdisciplinary knowledge and interests. His work represents research that combines theoretical depth with an interdisciplinary perspective.

In this spirit, nominations are sought for individuals, particularly from the social sciences, humanities, law, and life sciences, whose research meets the highest scientific standards. Proposals should be submitted to the chair of the jury by April 22.

Proposals can be submitted using this form.

Chair of the jury for the Bielefeld Science Award:

Prof. Dr. Angelika Epple

Rektorin der Universität Bielefeld

Universitätsstr. 25

33615 Bielefeld

New members appointed to the Science Award jury

The advisory board of the Sparkasse Bielefeld Foundation has appointed two new members to the jury for the Bielefeld Science Award at the suggestion of the jury chair, Prof. Dr. Angelika Epple. Prof. Dr. Elena Esposito and Prof. Dr. Oliver Flügel-Martinsen will replace Prof. Dr. Bettina Heintz and Prof. Dr. Andreas Voßkuhle with immediate effect. The chair of the jury, who is also the rector of Bielefeld University, thanked them for their many years of service. Further information on the new members can be found under the heading ‘Jury’.