Würzburg Research and Transfer Award increased to 150,000 Euros

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Würzburg Research and Transfer Award 2026

07.07.2026

The funding agreement was signed by (from left to right) Dr. Sascha von Berchem (Managing Director of the Wittenstein Foundation), Prof. Dr. Paul Pauli (President of the University of Würzburg), Erhard Frank (Chief Financial Officer of the Vogel Foundation), and Dr. Gunther Schunk (1st Chairman of the University Association of Würzburg).

The “Würzburg Research and Transfer Award” will be presented for the third time in 2026. The Wittenstein Foundation and the Vogel Foundation Dr. Eckernkamp have now decided to increase the award amount by 50,000 euros to 150,000 euros.

Since 2024, the Wittenstein Foundation has been supporting outstanding interdisciplinary research projects at Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg (JMU) through the “Würzburg Research and Transfer Award,” which recognize projects that demonstrate not only scientific innovation but also significant potential for societal application.

In 2025, the Vogel Foundation Dr. Eckernkamp followed suit and doubled the prize money, originally set at 50,000 euros, to 100,000 euros. Just one year later, the university is pleased to announce another increase: the 2026 award recipients will receive 150,000 euros for their research.

Outstanding Projects and Smooth Collaboration

For the representatives of both foundations, the reasons for the increase are clear. “In the first two years, we were already able to fund two fantastic projects—both in the field of medicine—that stand out above all for their high potential for application in society. This is work that truly helps people,” explained Dr. Sascha von Berchem, Executive Director of the Wittenstein Foundation, during the signing ceremony on July 1, 2026, in the university’s Senate Hall.

Dr. Gunther Schunk, president of the University Association, echoed this sentiment and particularly praised the smooth collaboration among all parties involved: “This allowed us to implement the project very quickly—and that’s why the foundations were immediately willing to further expand their financial commitment.” If the sponsors have their way, the total amount could increase even further in the coming years—either through additional contributions or, preferably, by bringing in an additional partner.

University President Professor Paul Pauli was, of course, also pleased with the recent increase. He sees “the collaboration among the foundations in particular as a great signal for the region. This clearly underscores the confidence in research at our university.”

Previous Award Recipients

2025

StrokeCap project team led by Prof. Dr. Volker Behr

StrokeCap—Mobile Stroke Diagnostics of the Future Saves Lives

2024

Prof. Dr. Andreas Nüchter, Prof. Dr. Frank Puppe, Joel Troya

Development of a prototype to improve the detection of precancerous colon lesions during screening colonoscopies

The call for proposals for 2026 remains open until August 14. The award will be presented during the traditional gala concert of the Würzburg University Association on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Neubaukirche in Würzburg.

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Signing the updated agreement (from left): Dr. Sascha von Berchem (Executive Director of the Wittenstein Foundation), Dr. Gunther Schunk (First Chairman of the Würzburg University Association), Prof. Paul Pauli (President of the University of Würzburg), and Erhard Frank (Chief Financial Officer of the Vogel Foundation)

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