Bertha Benz Prize

As a pioneer, Bertha Benz not only undertook the world’s first overland journey in an automobile over 130 years ago; she also supported the inventions of her husband Carl Benz in an entrepreneurial spirit and with technical expertise. To commemorate her achievements, which were quite exceptional for that time, the Foundation awards the Bertha Benz Prize once a year. In the spirit of its name-giver, it honors young female engineers for their outstanding dissertations.

Young female engineers who have created value added for society with the findings of their dissertations may be nominated for the Bertha Benz Prize by their scientific institutions. This award, which is endowed with 15,000 euros, is bestowed annually and – in recognition of Bertha Benz – acknowledges pioneering spirit, courage, and visionary character.

The title Dr.-Ing. must have been awarded no more than one year prior to the deadline for nominations (March 1, 2026); the date shown on the doctoral certificate is definitive. The dissertation must have been assessed as either “magna cum laude” or “summa cum laude”. The governing bodies of universities and independent research institutes are eligible to submit nominations. Each institution may submit a maximum of three proposals. Self-nominations are not possible.

Proposals for candidates must be submitted by March 1, 2026 (24:00 h) at the latest; only the online portal on the homepage of the Foundation (www.daimler-benz-stiftung.de) may be used for this purpose. The following documents are required (in German or English):

1. Letter of nomination from the nominating institution
2. Doctoral certificate (provisional certificates will not be accepted)
3. Dissertation (PDF file or download link)
4. Summary of the main findings of the dissertation (max. 3 A4 pages)
5. Curriculum vitae in tabular form
6. List of publications
7. Examination certificates (Bachelor or Master)

Two letters of recommendation, which must bear the official letterhead and be personally signed by their authors

The academic quality of the dissertation is assessed according to the usual criteria applying to young female academics and their work – both from an academic perspective (career, publications, conference contributions, previous awards, sojourns abroad, etc.) and from a personal perspective (tasks in academic self-administration, activities outside university, parental leave, special aspects of the curriculum vitae, etc.).

In addition to the academic originality of the work, in particular the practical and social relevance of the research findings are also evaluated. The call for nominations therefore focuses on dissertations with decidedly practical relevance; consideration is also given to whether patents have been applied for or granted.

The prize is awarded by a jury comprising scientists, representatives of the Daimler and Benz Foundation. The members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees are likewise involved in the selection process.

The Bertha Benz Prize is scheduled to be presented in June 2026 in Heidelberg in conjunction with the annual Bertha Benz Lecture.