Einstein Foundation Berlin crowned German Research Foundation of the Year 2021
The Deutsche Universitätsstiftung (German University Foundation) and the Stifterverband (a joint initiative by companies and foundations) have jointly declared the Einstein Foundation Berlin the 2021 German Research Foundation of the Year. The jury were impressed by the foundation's significant contribution to promoting the city as a leading international research hub. The Einstein Foundation will be presented with the award, which includes a €10,000 prize, during an online ceremony on May 31, 2021.
In a statement, the Deutsche Universitätsstiftung and the Stifterverband praised the Einstein Foundation's "pivotal role in helping to realize Berlin's potential as an exceptional location for research. The organization has brought world-leading researchers to the capital, fostered partnerships between universities and non-university research bodies, and enabled an innovative approach to tackling complex issues across disciplines and institutions." The jury added: "The foundation has been central to boosting the global appeal of the diverse research community in and around Berlin. Thanks to its efforts, actors in the fields of politics, industry, and science have effectively and successfully worked hand in hand to establish the German capital as one of the world's leading cities for research."
The governing mayor of Berlin and the city's senator for higher education and research, Michael Müller, stated: "The Einstein Foundation is a true success story of which we can be proud. It has done so much to encourage world-class research in Berlin and helped us foster the city's unique spirit of cooperation, both within the capital and internationally. It is an exceptional treasure that receives widespread acclaim. My warmest congratulations on this well-deserved award."
Back in 2018, an independent evaluation panel was able to confirm the success of the Einstein Foundation's efforts to promote science and research in Berlin and highlighted the foundation's role in fostering the spirit of cooperation within Berlin's research community. The following year, which marked its ten-year anniversary, the foundation was able to look back on an extraordinarily successful range of funding activities. Through its diverse portfolio of programs, spanning a wide range of disciplines and institutions, the foundation has so far funded over 170 researchers, including three Nobel laureates, 71 projects and six Einstein Centers.
Prof. Dr. Sabine Kunst, spokesperson of the Berlin University Alliance and President of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, said: "Berlin-based researchers see Einstein Foundation funding as a hallmark of excellence. The fact that it has been named German Research Foundation of the Year emphasizes the independent yet integrative role the Einstein Foundation plays with regard to science in Berlin. Our sincere congratulations to the foundation on its award."
This year marks the eighth edition of the German Research Foundation of the Year award. Previous winners include the Friede Springer Stiftung (2020), the ZEIT-Stiftung Ebelin und Gerd Bucerius (2018), and the Gerda Henkel Foundation (2017). The purpose of this award is to raise awareness of the work carried out by foundations to promote the sciences and encourage the funding and creation of science foundations by shining a light on best practice examples.