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Innovation Prize 2025: Patient University of Brandenburg inspires in Berlin!
Prof. Dr. Karin Kohlstedt presented the innovation award to the Patient University of Brandenburg in Berlin for outstanding research.
Innovation Prize 2025: Patient University of Brandenburg inspires in Berlin!
The Brandenburg Theodor Fontane Medical School (MHB) received the Innovation Prize from the Association of Private Universities with its project Patient University of Brandenburg. V. (VPH) won in the “Research, Innovation & University Development” category. The award ceremony took place on May 14, 2025 in Berlin. Prof. Dr. At the ceremonial handover, Karin Kohlstedt was able to present the certificate and check to Hannah Leichsenring and Matthias Schweitzer from the Patient University. The prize, worth 5,000 euros, was awarded due to the large number of projects. Of a total of 32 submitted works, seven were nominated for the final, which underlines the quality and innovative strength of the concepts submitted.
The Patient University concept, which was officially launched last year, aims to provide understandable and reliable health information for everyone in the state of Brandenburg. This approach was developed in close collaboration with citizens and self-help groups. Already in 2022, the project achieved an impressive second place in the Health Networker Award.
The importance of the patient university
The Patient University of Brandenburg is part of a Germany-wide network of patient universities that aims to strengthen the health literacy of the population. It offers people the opportunity to receive information about health and illness, to live healthily and to better deal with illness. The Patient University's offerings include both lectures and online events that promote personal exchange between those affected, relatives, experts and interested parties.
Hannah Leichsenring, the project manager, was pleased with participation in the final and described it as recognition for the innovative approach. “Our goal is to empower people to use health information competently and to advocate for their health in a self-determined manner,” she explained. This commitment is also reflected in the planned events, which are accessible free of charge. These include, among other things, a lecture on the Raynaud phenomenon as well as information events on health in old age and urban health, which are scheduled to take place in May and June 2025.
The VPH Innovation Prize 2025
The VPH Innovation Prize will be announced again in 2025 after great interest last year. The categories include teaching, didactics & student experience as well as research, innovation & university development. Members of VPH member universities, both individuals and groups, are permitted to participate. Those interested in pursuing innovative approaches and further developing existing structures can submit their projects by February 18, 2025. The association has earmarked an endowment of 5,000 euros for each category.
The selection process is two-stage and includes a pre-selection by a jury before the best submissions are forwarded to the presidents of the VPH member universities for online voting. Further information about this competition is available on the association's website.
In summary, it can be said that the Patient University of Brandenburg was not only recognized for its innovative strength, but also makes a significant contribution to health education and information in the region. The initiative and support from the VPH demonstrate the commitment to future-oriented university development.