The prize for courageous science is announced every two years and awarded to innovative scientists. The competition is organised together with the State Research Prize (internal link) and alternates annually with the State Teaching Prize (external link).
Potential candidates are nominated by the state's scientific institutions. There is also a right of self-nomination. An interdisciplinary jury consisting of renowned scientists and the presidents of the Max Planck Society and the German Research Foundation decides on the award. The Academy chairs the jury.
The prize can be awarded to several people at the same time.