The Fundamental Academic Values Award is presented by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to early career scientists who have made an outstanding research contribution on the topic of fundamental academic rights in the European Higher Education Area. The award is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and aims to support the advocacy of fundamental academic values.
The DAAD is the world’s largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers. Through its Bologna Hub project, the DAAD strongly supports the promotion and protection of common European fundamental values such as academic freedom, integrity, institutional autonomy, and public responsibility. The award has been presented since 2022 and is endowed with prize money of 7,000, 6,000 or 5,000 euros depending on ranking.
Fundamental Academic Values Award Benefits
- Prize money of 7,000 euros for 1st place
- Prize money of 6,000 euros for 2nd place
- Prize money of 5,000 euros for 3rd place
- Invitation to present the paper at a peer learning activity
- Award ceremony at a festive setting
Fundamental Academic Values Award Eligibility Criteria
- Early-career researchers from all disciplines and nationalities
- Must have made a research contribution on the topic of ‘Fundamental Academic Rights in the European Higher Education Area’
- Open to early career scientists of all academic fields
How to Apply for Fundamental Academic Values Award?
- Submit an application via the DAAD application portal
- Provide a research contribution on the specified topic
- Ensure application is submitted before the deadline of 22 June 2026
- Full details are available in the call for applications PDF
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Fundamental Academic Values Award. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Fundamental Academic Values Award?
The Fundamental Academic Values Award is a prize presented by the DAAD to early career scientists who have made an outstanding research contribution on fundamental academic rights in the European Higher Education Area. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.
Who can apply for the Fundamental Academic Values Award?
Early-career researchers from all disciplines and nationalities who have made a research contribution on the topic of ‘Fundamental Academic Rights in the European Higher Education Area’ are eligible to apply.
What is the deadline for the 2026 award?
The deadline for applications for the 2026 Fundamental Academic Values Award is 22 June 2026. Selection results will be published in autumn 2026.
What are the benefits of the award?
The award is endowed with prize money of 7,000 euros for first place, 6,000 euros for second place, and 5,000 euros for third place. Winners are also invited to present their paper at a peer learning activity.
How are the winners selected?
The primary selection criteria are the quality and relevance of the candidates’ academic achievements. An international jury of academics with expertise in fundamental academic values selects the three awardees.
What are the fundamental academic values?
The six fundamental academic values defined in the Bologna Process are: academic freedom, academic integrity, institutional autonomy, participation of students and staff in governance, public responsibility for higher education, and public responsibility of higher education.
How do I apply for the award?
Applications are submitted via the DAAD application portal. Full details can be found in the call for applications PDF. The deadline for the 2026 award is 22 June 2026.
Who funds the Fundamental Academic Values Award?
The award is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and presented by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) within the framework of the DAAD project ‘Bologna Hub’.
When was the award first presented?
The Fundamental Academic Values Award was first presented in 2022. The 2024 award was the second edition, and the 2026 award will be the third time it is presented.
Where can I find more information?
More information is available in the call for applications PDF on the DAAD website. For further questions, you can contact the Bologna Hub team at [email protected].
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