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Young researchers in the spotlight: 50,000 euros for brilliant ideas!
On October 22, 2025, Ulm University will present innovative research projects at the Young Researchers’ Science Day.
Young researchers in the spotlight: 50,000 euros for brilliant ideas!
On October 17, 2025, preparations will begin for the Young Researchers' Science Day 2025, which will take place on October 22, 2025 at Ulm University. The event opens at 4:30 p.m. in the multimedia room N27 and offers young scientists the opportunity to present their research projects in the format of a science slam. Funding opportunities of up to 50,000 euros are offered for the best ideas, making this Science Day one of the most unique events in Germany.
A special highlight will be Dr. Jan-Martin Wiarda, a renowned science journalist, will give a guest lecture. Its theme, “Academic Freedom in Times of Political Uncertainty,” will certainly encourage participants to reflect on the challenges to academic freedom and how these can influence research. The event is taking place for the fifth time and offers a platform to promote creativity and innovative strength among young scientists.
Prizes and networking
The competition is tough and the prizes are attractive: the first place winner can look forward to 50,000 euros, while the second place winner will be awarded 30,000 euros. The jury is made up of board members of the ProTrainU junior academy. This high level of funding is a sign of the commitment shown here for young researchers.
After the program, participants have the opportunity to talk to each other and make valuable contacts at the networking event. The meeting is particularly exclusive, with 15 participants having the chance to meet directly with Dr. Replacing Jan-Martin Wiarda. The managing directors of ProTrainU, Clarissa Gobiet and Dr. Cornelia Estner, are available to answer any questions. Further information about the event can be found on the Ulm University website: www.uni-ulm.de/scienceday.
The role of science journalism
The focus of the event is no coincidence, as science journalism plays a central role in communication between science and society. As the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) emphasizes, science communication promotes exchange between science, society, business and politics. In addition, independent and high-quality science journalism contributes to the preservation of democracy. However, science journalism is increasingly under pressure due to the challenges of digital transformation.
The BMFTR is actively committed to strengthening independent science journalism and has therefore initiated the Science Journalism Innovation Fund. In collaboration with the Joachim Herz Foundation and the Science Press Conference (WPK), accompanying research will be carried out, the results of which will develop evidence-based solution strategies for science journalism. A particular focus is on developments in generative artificial intelligence, which offer both challenges and new approaches for science journalism.
Projects like “Augmented Science Journalism II” at the Science Media Center (SMC) aim to make research results and tools available to practitioners. Networking platforms such as #FactoryWisskomm offer space for the exchange of actors as well as discussions about solutions and innovations in science communication. These initiatives for sustainable science communication are crucial to maintaining dialogue between disciplines in the future.