Science Revolution: Ten research teams honored for cutting-edge environment!

Science Revolution: Ten research teams honored for cutting-edge environment!

On June 7, 2025, the first ten teams were recognized as part of the new “Best Research Environment 2024” initiative. This award is presented for the first time by the Boys Academy and the Volkswagen Foundation awarded and aims to recognize the importance of a supportive research environment within science.

After reviewing almost 300 applications, a total of 24 teams were selected for the shortlist in March 2025. The lottery process to determine the winners shows that there is no ranking among the nominated research environments; instead, all shortlisted teams will be recognized according to the definition of an outstanding research environment. Each winning team receives prize money of 10,000 euros, which can be used for team-building measures and the further development of cooperative work.

Ambiguities in the research environment

Dr. Antje Tepperwien from the Volkswagen Foundation emphasizes the role of a positive research environment for creative and cooperative work. Gisela Kopp, an alumna of the Junge Akademie, adds that creating such environments is crucial for the development of future scientists. The new award is intended to raise awareness of the importance of good research environments in the early phases of scientific careers.

The prize is announced annually, with the next application deadline running until November 18, 2024. This long-term initiative is part of a larger trend that highlights the need for supportive research environments, which is seen as key to promoting innovative and successful scientific work.

A comprehensive picture of academic freedom

In a broader context of academic freedom, the Academic Freedom Index (AFi) stated that around 80% of the world's population lives in countries where there are moderate to severe restrictions on academic freedom. This is influenced by a variety of factors, including political interference in education systems and financial conflicts of interest.

The situation in Germany, despite a high AFi of 0.93, also shows worrying trends regarding freedom of expression and academic freedom. The various case studies and the historical overview make it clear that academic freedom is always subject to dynamic and often challenging change.

The “Best Research Environment 2024” award not only honors commercial teams, but also initiates an urgent discussion about the conditions under which science overcomes other challenges. In today's world, creating a supportive and creative environment is essential for progress in science and research.