Joachim Herz Award
Research for our future
With the Joachim Herz Award, we are supporting socially relevant interdisciplinary research and transfer projects.
The research grant of 500,000 euros is aimed at early career researchers. The Award will alternate annually between economics and physics. This year, it is open to researchers from the field of economics and business administration.
Supporting innovation and transfer
Interdisciplinary research plays a vital role in ensuring the future viability of Germany’s economic and technological capabilities. Our direct research funding consciously seeks to support innovative, original and as yet untested projects that tend to be ignored by existing public funding mechanisms or by venture capital in the start-up phase because there is too much risk associated with the idea.
The Award enables researchers to build on their socially relevant interdisciplinary research or pursue the transfer of a research project into practice. The prize money may be used to advance a research project, but also gives researchers the scope to re-examine and develop transfer potential.
Who is eligible for funding?
We fund young researchers whose doctorate is no more than six years ago. Periods of parental leave can, however, be taken into account. The main selection criterion is that candidates demonstrate outstanding academic potential in their field in line with international standards.
What is eligible for funding?
For the 2024 Joachim Herz Award, candidates are invited to submit interdisciplinary projects from the field of economics. We are looking for projects that are geared towards the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)
- Quality Education (SDG 4)
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
- Climate Action (SDG 13)
How much is the funding?
The grant of up to 500,000 euros will help the winner(s) to carry out a research or transfer project. Up to five per cent of the grant amount should be used for academic communication. The grant will usually be paid out to a research institution with tax benefits in Germany.
Accompanying conference
The awards ceremony will be held as part of a conference lasting several days; this will be planned in tandem with the prizewinners and take place in Hamburg.
Applications
The competition is open to young researchers who are employed at a research institution in Germany for the period of the grant. The Award may go to individual researchers or a group of researchers.
Please visit our application portal for all key information on the necessary application documents.
Unfortunately, the application period has expired.
Application process
The application process comprises two stages:
- Submission of a written application, followed by shortlisting by the judging panel
- The shortlisted projects will be presented in person in Hamburg on december 5
Jury
- Prof. Dr. Timo Busch (Universität Hamburg)
- Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Maennig (Universität Hamburg)
- Prof. Dr. Moritz Schularick (Kiel Institute for the World Economy)
- Prof. Dr. C. Katharina Spieß (Federal Institute for Population Research)
- Prof. Dr. Joachim Winter (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München)
Contact
Contact person for economics (2024):
Contact person for physics (2025):
