The Berliner Wissenschaftspreis was established to honor outstanding achievements in research in Berlin. One of its key aims is to create a foundation for Berlin’s continued economic development. As a result, along with scientific excellence, the practical applicability of the research in question is a decisive factor in this award. The prize money of €40,000 benefits the institution at which the researcher did the work for which he or she is being honored.
Along with the Berliner Wissenschaftspreis, a Nachwuchspreis is awarded for outstanding work by a young researcher. This award is intended to recognize innovative research approaches in a field that holds particular potential for Berlin’s scientific and economic future. The Nachwuchspreis, which includes prize money of €10,000, goes to researchers who are 35 or younger.