The Körber European Science Prize is a science award presented annually by the Körber Foundation in Hamburg, Germany. It recognizes scientists conducting research in Europe and alternates between the life sciences and the physical sciences. The prize is endowed with €1,000,000 (€750,000 up to 2018).
History The prize was initiated by the entrepreneur Kurt A. Körber with the help of Reimar Lüst, the president of the Max Planck Society, and was first awarded in 1985. At first, European research teams were honored, but since 2005, it has been awarded only to individual scientists.
Selection process The prize alternates between life sciences and physical sciences. Candidates are identified by two search committees, one for each field, and shortlisted candidates are invited to submit a summary of their scientific breakthrough and a research proposal. Independent international reviewers assess the candidates and their work, and up to three finalists are presented to the Trustee Committee, which selects the prize winner. Self-nominations are not accepted.
Prize money The prize is endowed with €1,000,000; prizewinners can keep 10 percent of the money for themselves and must spend the rest on research in Europe in three to five years. Aside from these restrictions they alone can decide how to use the money.
Presentation The prize is presented every year in the Great Hall of Hamburg City Hall, often with participation by representatives of the Hamburg Senate.
Prize winners The Körber Foundation lists the following prize winners ( indicates Nobel Prize recipients):
References
External links Official website (in English and German)