For the eighteenth time, the Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU) is awarding the Young Scientist Award (YSA) for outstanding students and young scientists in the field of water and environmental research.

The prize is awarded to theses (master/magister/diploma/state examination) and dissertations that were completed at the University of Duisburg-Essen in 2025. All scientific disciplines are eligible for applicants. A close connection to the research topics of the ZWU is essential for proposed theses. As long as the degree was completed at UDE or as part of a cooperative ZWU project, theses completed at external institutions ((e.g. at institutes affiliated with the UDE or partner universities) are allowed as well.

The nominations can be submitted by habilitated members as well as junior professors, authorized ZWU members and academic supervisors. One candidate per category can be nominated by members eligible to nominate. 

The following documents must be submitted electronically to the ZWU office by January 15, 2026.

• Thesis
• Summary of the thesis (maximum two pages, A4 format)
• Curriculum vitae (tabular format)
• Current list of publications
• Degree certificate / complete transcript, as well as the doctoral certificate (if applicable)
• Copies of the scientific evaluation created for the thesis/dissertation
• Nominator's recommendation letter

Three prizes are awarded for outstanding master's/magister's/diploma and state examination theses, as well as two prizes for dissertations. The YSA is awarded annually. The award ceremony is scheduled to happen during the UDE Summer Festival.

We are looking forward to many applications!

Here is the announcement available for download: YSA