Current Calls
Stiftungspreis der Demokratie-Stiftung der Universität zu Köln
In accordance with its statutes and founding principles, the primary mission of the Demokratie-Stiftung is to carry out and support academic projects that contribute to the peaceful advancement of democratic ideas. Authors may apply in the academic theses category with theses for habilitation or doctoral dissertations published in 2024 or 2025 (either by a publisher or made available online). The work must focus primarily on democracy, for example democratic theory, democracy education, globalisation, the media, religion, or electoral systems.
Deadline: 30 June 2026
Wissenschaftspreis des Deutschen Bundestages
The Wissenschaftspreis des Deutschen Bundestages recognises outstanding scholarly monographs that stimulate engagement with issues of parliamentarism and contribute to a deeper understanding of parliamentary practice. Eligible works include studies on elections, particularly the functioning of representative bodies, and research on the integration of parliamentarism into federal and supranational systems. Other eligible works include studies on the relationship between parliament and government, the political oversight of parliamentary systems by courts, the media and civil society, the role and functions of political parties, and the effects of a changing public sphere due to digitalisation, provided they address issues related to parliamentarism. Nominations and self-nominations are accepted. The prize is endowed with €10,000.
Deadline: 10 July 2026
Science Awards of the Society for Data Protection and Data Security (GDD)
The GDD awards this prize for outstanding academic work in the fields of data protection and data security. The prize is intended primarily for early-career researchers. It recognizes completed or nearly completed theses or dissertations. The works must not be more than two years old. In addition to works in the fields of law, economics, and computer science, works from other academic disciplines that address issues in the areas of data protection and data security are also eligible. A prerequisite for receiving the academic award is the fulfillment of the criteria for academic excellence. The theses must be submitted with the endorsement of the supervising university professor. The prize is endowed with 5,000 euros.
Deadline: 31 July 2026
Dissertation Prizes of the University of Münster
The University of Münster’s dissertation awards recognise outstanding doctoral theses completed at the University of Münster. The Dissertation Prizes serve to support the prizewinners' future research endeavours. All fifteen faculties of the University of Münster are invited to nominate their best dissertations from the current academic year for consideration. Each award comes with 3,000 euros in prize money which can also be used to finance a colloquium in Münster on the prizewinning research topic. Up to fifteen doctoral candidates are eligible to receive the Dissertation Prize in recognition of their outstanding dissertations. The Rectorate is responsible for selecting the finalists at the recommendation of a special jury appointed by Rectorate Committee for Academic Personnel Development (RAP).
Deadline: 9 October 2026
