The finalists will be invited to present their research at a public award event and to receive the finalists’ prizes. The Boehringer Ingelheim Prize Selection Board will announce the winner of the main prize at the public award event.

Who can apply?

• You have published an original research article as a prominent author (first, last, or corresponding) within the 12 months prior to the application deadline. The article must have undergone peer review and should demonstrate significant impact and relevance in your field of research. The majority of the scientific work must have been carried out at an institution in the Rhine-Main region.
• You propose an original and creative research project of up to 2 years that will substantially advance your independent research profile.
• Your research addresses fundamental questions in the biological, medical, or chemical sciences. The foundation only considers applications of broad relevance to the life sciences – e.g. basic biology, biophysics, computational biology, medicine, biochemistry, or chemical biology. Projects with the potential to generate novel insights into fundamental processes are especially encouraged. Projects in classical zoology or botany, or in pure organic or inorganic chemistry, are not supported.
• You are a postdoctoral researcher, lead your first independent research group, or hold a junior professorship, and your employment contract is fixed-term.
• You are affiliated with one of the participating universities or research institutions in the Rhine-Main region (see Guidelines for applicants).
• You received your doctoral degree or an equivalent qualification less than 8 years before the application deadline (exemptions may apply, see FAQ).
• Your scientific achievements have already attracted international attention.
• You have gained international research experience.
• The head of your department or institute supports your application and guarantees both employment position and access to the infrastructure required for your proposed project throughout its entire duration (template available via the online application portal).
• You can name two experienced scientists who are willing to provide confidential letters of recommendation. At least one of them must be based outside the Rhine-Main region and must not be, or have been, in a direct supervisory relationship with you.

Do you have any questions?

If there are any remaining questions after referring to the Guidelines for applicants and the FAQs , please call us or email us.