Earth and Society Research Hub (ESRAH)
Earth and Society Research Hub (ESRAH)
Prize money for bachelor’s and master’s graduatesClimate research talents wanted
15 January 2026, by Franziska Neigenfind
Photo: Unsplash/Z. Fiaz, E. Lauton
Identifying the most pressing questions on global warming and finding corresponding answers – guided by this goal, the “Young Climate Scientists Award” from the University of Hamburg’s Earth and Society Research Hub will now be offered for a fourth time. Until March 1, 2026, outstanding bachelor’s and master’s theses with a focus on climate change and/or climate protection can be submitted for consideration. These can be papers from the natural sciences, social sciences, economics or the humanities completed since March 1, 2024 at the University of Hamburg. The first-place prize is €5,000; second is €3,000 and third is €2,000.
The prize money is donated by the Gesellschaft Harmonie von 1789 e.V.: “Our goal is to reinforce Hamburg as a hub for climate research. And we especially want to support young researchers. With the award, our hope is to offer them additional motivation and support them on their future career paths,” says Otto Bischoff from the Gesellschaft Harmonie.
Prof. Grischa Perino, Managing Director of the Earth and Society Research Hub, stresses: “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time – there’s much to do for society, politics, and the business and scientific communities. With the award, we want to recognize young talents who are pursuing research on climate-relevant topics and, in the process, contributing to a future worth living in on our planet.”
The prize’s patron is Katharina Fegebank, Hamburg’s Second Mayor and Senator for Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture.
More information on the "Young Climate Scientists Award"
Film on the "Young Climate Scientists Award" (in German)
Award winner 2024
Award winners 2022
Award winners 2020
The "Young Climate Scientists Award"
Current call for papers
Deadline for submissions: March 1, 2026
The award is offered every two years; final papers that address climate-related topics from a natural sciences, humanities, social sciences and/or economic perspective and that were completed at the University of Hamburg are eligible for submission.
To be considered, submitted papers should be of outstanding quality and address the physical and social importance of climate research. This applies in particular to socially relevant questions that, due to climate change, are already acute or likely to soon arise.
How to submit
Candidates can be nominated by ESRAH and CLICCS members. University of Hamburg graduates are also welcome to submit their papers themselves. There is no age limit.
In addition to the thesis, submissions should include a motivation letter (for those submitting on their own) or letter of recommendation (for nominated theses), as well as a CV.
A jury consisting of members from the University of Hamburg’s ESRAH, CLICCS and the Gesellschaft Harmonie selects the winning candidates.
Please submit your text in digital form to:
Franziska Neigenfind
Universität Hamburg, ESRAH Office
Tel.: +49 40 42838-6173
E-Mail: franziska.neigenfind@uni-hamburg.de(franziska.neigenfind"AT"uni-hamburg.de/)
