100,000 euros for scientific careers
Applications for the Dr Hans Messer Foundation Prize can be submitted until 28 February
2026/02/17
In 2026, the Hans and Ria Messer Foundation will once again award the Dr Hans Messer Foundation Prize and double the prize money to 100,000 euros. The application period ends on 28 February.
In 2026, the Hans and Ria Messer Foundation (german) will once again award its Foundation Prize to promote research and teaching (german) by outstanding scientists in the early stages of their careers at TU Darmstadt in the fields of natural sciences, engineering, economics, social sciences and humanities – as it did last year, with double the prize money. The prize is awarded annually.
“Forward-looking and responsible support. The list of winners of the Dr. Hans Messer Foundation Prize impressively demonstrates how support for researchers in the early stages of their careers can make a difference,” says Petra Grell, TU Vice President for Academic Careers and Diversity.
Professors at TU Darmstadt are eligible to submit nominations. Assistant professors also have the opportunity to nominate themselves for the award. Self-nominations beyond this are not permitted.
The foundation
The Hans and Ria Messer Foundation (until 2024 Dr Hans Messer Foundation) promotes education, training, science and research throughout Germany. The foundation was established in 1978 by Dr Hans Messer and has been recognised as a charitable foundation since 1979. Under the chairmanship of Dr Hans Messer, the foundation prize was also introduced at TU Darmstadt. The foundation promotes research projects, supports scientific and educational institutions, and continuously awards education and research scholarships. The foundation has been awarding its foundation prize at TU Darmstadt regularly since 1994. It is currently the most highly endowed prize for early career researchers at TU Darmstadt.
