Apply Now for the Schering Young Investigator Award 2026

The Schering Stiftung is pleased to announce the call for applications for the Young Investigator Award 2026. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional achievements in basic research across the life sciences. The award is designed to support emerging scientists who have completed their doctoral studies within the last six years and have already developed a distinctive scientific profile. It carries a prize money of € 10,000.

Application Deadline: February 16, 2026

Eligibility to apply is open to individual scientists:

• Applicants must have completed an excellent dissertation within the last six years. This period can be extended for special reasons such as parental leave or a prolonged illness.
• Applicants must work in Germany.
• We welcome applications from all areas of the life sciences, emphasizing innovative, basic research that holds potential for groundbreaking discoveries.
• Applicants should have developed a distinctive scientific profile, demonstrating potential for future excellence.
• It is essential that applicants work autonomously and have a proven track record of independent research, as evidenced by their publications.
• Persons holding a tenured professorship or an equivalent permanent position are not eligible for consideration.

Please submit your nomination proposal exclusively via the online form.

Required information includes:

• Summary of the outstanding scientific achievement
  (2500 characters max)
• What can be expected from the work in the future
  (1000 characters max)
• Brief descriptions of social value of the work and science communication activities
• Please upload a CV, a copy of the PhD certificate, a list of publications and copies of the three most important publications
• Please upload up to two letters of recommendation

Do not hesitate to contact Dr. Jörg Maxton-Küchenmeister (maxton@scheringstiftung.de) or Lucia Miarka (miarka@scheringstiftung.de) in case of any further questions.