In view of the great importance of cultural and social science research, the company Witzenmann GmbH (external link) established the Walter Witzenmann Prize in 1997 to promote young academics in Baden-Württemberg. The prize is awarded for work that is dedicated to important social and cultural changes and/or the possibilities and effects of technological transformation, and which recognises the relevance of historical work to the present.
The prize is endowed with 10,000 euros.
Who qualifies for nomination?
Researchers should not be older than 35 years. The proposed work should have been accepted as a scientific achievement by a university or research institute in the state of Baden-Württemberg and should have been published or submitted for publication in the two years before nomination. If several authors are significantly involved in the honoured work, the prize can be awarded to them in equal parts.
Who may nominate?
- all members of the Philosophical-Historical Class of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities
- heads of all scientific institutions of the universities in Baden-Württemberg (rectorates, deaneries, managing directors, institute directors)
- heads of all non-university research institutions in Baden-Württemberg (managing directors)
- self-nominations are not permitted