"Würzburger Förderpreis" increased to 150,000 euros

Since 2024, the Wittenstein Foundation has been supporting outstanding interdisciplinary research projects at the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg (JMU) through the “Würzburg Research and Transfer Award” ("Würzburger Förderpreis"), which recognise projects that, in addition to scientific innovation, demonstrate particular potential for societal application.

In 2025, the Vogel Foundation Dr Eckernkamp followed suit and doubled the prize money, originally set at 50,000 euros, to 100,000 euros. Just one year later, the university can look forward to a further increase; the 2026 prize winners will receive 150,000 euros for their research.

Outstanding projects and seamless collaboration

For the representatives of both foundations, the reasons for the increase are clear. “In the first two years, we have already been able to support two fantastic projects, both in the field of medicine, which stand out above all for their high potential for application in society. Something is happening here that really helps people,” explained Dr Sascha von Berchem, Managing Director of the Wittenstein Foundation, during the signing of the agreement on 1 July 2026 in the University’s Senate Hall.

Erhard Frank, who signed on behalf of the Vogel Foundation, shares this view: “We are keen to support excellent research projects and their transition to direct application, for the benefit of people. This is entirely in keeping with our founder’s wishes.”

Dr Gunther Schunk, First Chairman of the University Association, echoed this sentiment and particularly praised the smooth cooperation between all parties involved: “This enabled us to get the project off the ground very quickly – and that is why the foundations were immediately prepared to further increase their financial commitment.” If the funders have their way, the total funding could increase even further in the coming years – either through further increases or, preferably, by bringing in an additional partner.

The University President, Professor Paul Pauli, was naturally delighted with the recent increase. He sees “the collaboration between the foundations in particular as a great signal for the region. It clearly underlines the confidence in research at our university.”

Previous award winners

2025
StrokeCap project team led by Prof. Dr Volker Behr
StrokeCap – Mobile stroke diagnostics of the future saves lives

2024
Prof. Dr Andreas Nüchter, Prof. Dr Frank Puppe, Joel Troya
Development of a prototype to improve the detection of precancerous bowel lesions during screening colonoscopy

The call for entries for 2026 remains open until 14 August. The award will be presented during the traditional gala concert organised by the Würzburg University Association at the Neubaukirche. This year, the event will take place on Thursday, 5 November 2026.