Seven JMU students join the Bavarian Elite Academy

Following an extensive selection process, the 28th intake of the Bavarian Elite Academy (BEA) Foundation has been finalised. Thirty-eight exceptionally committed students from 13 Bavarian universities and universities of applied sciences have been accepted, the Foundation announced in a press release.

Among them are no fewer than seven students from the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) in 2026: Franziska Beisler, Clara Böhmer, Anna Fleck, Anne Gümpelein, Anna Mölle, Moritz Schanbacher and Asena Ünal – a record number for JMU! As part of a two-year continuing education programme running alongside their studies, they have been exploring issues of leadership, responsibility and values-based personal development since September.

More than just academic support

“Even the selection process itself really encouraged me to reflect on myself, my values, my motivation and my goals in life,” says law student Clara Böhmer.

All seven students cite the BEA’s multifaceted and interdisciplinary philosophy as a key motivation for their applications. Asena Ünal, a Master’s student in Management, explains:

“What particularly appealed to me about the BEA is that it’s not just about academic achievement, but also about responsibility, attitude and a reflective understanding of leadership. I want to engage more deeply with these topics, question my own perspectives and, at the same time, contribute what I’ve learnt during my studies in the field of economics.”

Equipping students for a positive future

“We support young people who not only impress through their achievements but also demonstrate a desire to take on responsibility and contribute to a sustainable and future-proof society,” says Professor Johannes Wallacher, Chair of the Foundation and Academic Director, describing the Academy’s self-image.

This forward-looking and responsible approach won over the Würzburg students.

Moritz Schanbacher, a chemistry student, has high expectations of the mentoring programme in particular: “Especially in uncertain times, I believe that ethically grounded life and leadership skills are more important than ever. I hope to develop a better sense of what constitutes good leadership over the course of these two years.”

For Anne Gümpelein (Business Administration), responsibility means “shaping one’s own future whilst also keeping the common good in mind.” Alongside global issues, she also mentions a local one: “Preserving our wine-growing landscape is particularly close to my heart, so that it remains intact for future generations. This requires people who work together and motivate others to get involved.”

For Franziska Beisler (Teacher Training for Secondary Schools, Physics and Mathematics), the Bavarian Elite Academy also represents an opportunity to “help shape a new perspective on the term ‘elite’ itself: not as an expression of privilege, but of a sense of responsibility!”

Exchange and team spirit

The BEA brings together people from different disciplines, walks of life and perspectives. “This interdisciplinary exchange fosters understanding, opens up new ways of thinking and strengthens the ability to make responsible decisions even in complex situations,” says Foundation Director Oliver Jörg.

Clara Böhmer is looking forward to “getting to know the other scholarship holders, exchanging ideas with them
and gaining experiences together.” Chemistry student Anna Fleck hopes that lasting connections will develop from the time spent together: “I believe that the shared experiences over a two-year period will have a particularly lasting impact and that the people you get to know along the way will remain part of your life long after the programme has ended.”

The team spirit is also central to Anna Mölle’s (teaching for secondary schools, physics and mathematics) approach: “Through many years of voluntary work, I have seen how much can be achieved when a team works together towards a shared vision. I hope that the BEA will enable me to deepen my experience in team-building and leadership in a targeted way and consciously apply it to my professional context.”

A varied programme

The programme comprises four in-person phases lasting several weeks each, including a two-week educational trip to a non-European country during the university’s term break. The programme features interactive seminars and workshops, informal gatherings with leaders from business, academia, politics and culture, as well as outdoor days and a visit to the European institutions in Brussels. The training is complemented by a mentoring programme and practical project work.

Franziska Beisler is particularly looking forward to one specific experience:

“I’m particularly looking forward to the mountain rescue seminar. Someone from our university whom I hold in high regard told me how formative a similar experience was for them, and that even today, particularly in complex and stressful situations, they can still draw on the insights gained there. I hope that the BEA will enable me to have a similar experience.”

Applications for 2027 open on 1 October

The call for applications for the 29th cohort opens on 1 October 2026. Applications can be submitted until 13 December. In November, the BEA will be hosting a series of virtual information sessions. For those interested in scholarships, these are an excellent opportunity to find out more about the BEA and its programme, and to ask specific questions. Current dates and further information.