DFG Honors Jugend forscht Winners with Prestigious Europa-Preis

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has officially recognized three outstanding participants of the 61st Jugend forscht national competition, awarding them the prestigious Europa-Preis. This accolade highlights the critical importance of international collaboration and professional networking for the next generation of scientific leaders.

The awards were presented on May 31, 2026, during the final round of the Jugend forscht competition held in Herzogenaurach. DFG Secretary General Dr. Heide Ahrens personally conferred the honors upon Jamila-Cate Tran, Vincent Nack, and Tim Kammel.

Fostering Scientific Excellence

The Europa-Preis serves as more than just a formal recognition. it is a strategic investment in the future of these young researchers. Each winner receives a prize of 1,000 euros to support their ongoing work. The DFG has committed to providing professional mentorship to prepare these students for the upcoming European stage of their scientific careers.

The primary goal of this preparation is to equip the winners for the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS). This year marks a significant milestone for the competition, as it will be hosted at the Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel this September—the first time the event has returned to Germany since 1993.

High-Level Support for Youth Innovation

The ceremony in Herzogenaurach underscored the national significance of youth scientific engagement. The event was attended by notable government figures, including:

• Karin Prien, Federal Minister of Education
• Katherina Reiche, Federal Minister of Economics
• Matthias Hauer, Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR)

By bringing together academic leadership and government officials, the event highlights a unified commitment to nurturing high-potential talent within the STEM fields. The DFG’s involvement emphasizes that early-career networking is a cornerstone of a successful trajectory in global research.

Key Takeaways

• Award Recipients: Jamila-Cate Tran, Vincent Nack, and Tim Kammel were recognized for their exceptional research contributions.
• Strategic Goal: The Europa-Preis is designed to facilitate international networking and prepare participants for the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS).
• Upcoming Milestone: The EUCYS will take place in September 2026 at the Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel.
• Professional Support: Winners will receive 1,000 euros and specialized mentorship to refine their projects for the European competition.

As these young researchers prepare to represent their work on an international platform, the focus remains on the DFG’s core mission: ensuring that the brightest minds in Germany are well-integrated into the broader European scientific community. Through initiatives like the Europa-Preis, the foundation continues to bridge the gap between national achievement and global scientific impact.

Source: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) Press Release No. 17, June 1, 2026.