KIT Internal Call: Bertha Benz Prize 2026

The Daimler and Benz Foundation awards annually the ▶ Bertha Benz Prize to commemorate the achievements of Bertha Benz. In the spirit of its name-giver, it honors young female engineers with outstanding dissertations. Young female engineers who have added value for society with the findings of their dissertations may be nominated for the Bertha Benz Prize by their scientific institutions.

The prize, which is endowed with EUR 15,000 and acknowledges – in the recognition of Bertha Benz – pioneering spirit, courage and visionary character.

Selection Criteria

The doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) was awarded no more than one year ago by the date of nomination (March 1, 2026); the date of the doctoral certificate applies. The dissertation has been graded either “magna cum laude” or “summa cum laude”. The call for applications of the Daimler and Benz Foundation is available for ▶ download (German only). It is not possible for doctoral researchers to apply directly to the Daimler and Benz Foundation.

Selection Process at KIT

The Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS) accepts applications and coordinates the selection of nominations at KIT. The selection of nominations to be forwarded to the Daimler and Benz Foundation is made by members of the KHYS Steering Committee. 

KIT is allowed to nominate a maximum of three outstanding female young scientists.

Required Documents

The following documents have to be submitted exclusively in digital form as single documents to KHYS in German or English:

• Doctoral certificate (or a preliminary document as confirmation)
• Summary with the main results of the research work (maximum 3 pages)
• Tabular curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Copies of the examination certificates (intermediate diploma/bachelor's degree, diploma/master's degree)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Completed ▶ Excel spreadsheet

Please note that the Excel spreadsheet serves as an overview and will also be used within in the KIT internal selecetion process. This means that this overview should summarize the most important information contained in your CV and your list of publications.

Please submit the documents individually, named as Family name_Document name_Bertha Benz Prize 2026, by Monday, January 26, 2026, by e-mail to ▶ auszeichnungen∂khys.kit.edu. This e-mail address is also valid for queries.

Final Information on Applying

• Only complete applications submitted on time and in proper condition will be considered for selection.
• Each individual document should clearly indicate what type of document it is and who created it. 
• The letters of recommendation must refer to the Bertha Benz Prize.
• A preliminary document instead of the doctoral certificate can be handed in first, but the doctoral certificate is needed in case of a nomination not later than February 26, 2026, 5 pm.
• The Excel sheet must be submitted in English. All other documents can also be submitted in German. 

Processing of Your Data

Please note that KIT only makes the nomination/pre-selection and that the final decision on the award lies with the Daimler and Benz Foundation. Accordingly, after a pre-selection at KIT, the nomination documents of the pre-selected persons will be forwarded to the Daimler and Benz Foundation for their decision. Both the foundation and KIT will report on the outcome of the decision and publish the associated personal data. Detailed information on data protection will be provided shortly.

Amount of Funding

Please note that the prize money may be subject to income tax and social security contributions. The Personnel Service (PSE) provides ▶ information on prize money (only available within the KIT network).