Awards

The Annual Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 

The Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award is an annual prize given to a promising young scientist for achievements in the biomedical sciences. The applicant should have a proven track record documenting independent research performed at the University or associated research institutions in Heidelberg.

Requirements

Applications are open to non-tenured scientists with an excellent record of independent achievements as a junior group leader in biomedicine. There is no strict age restriction although candidates tend to be below or not significantly older than 40 years. Periods of parental leave or special circumstances are considered at the discretion of the Board. Candidate autonomy should be documented by outstanding publications arising from his/her own independent research group as a senior author and this is an important requirement.

The research group should be located at one of the institutions of Heidelberg University. In case of dual affiliations, the primary affiliation of the applicant must be Heidelberg University. Applications from scientists holding a W2/W3 professorship or an equivalent senior and tenured positions will not be considered. Junior/W1 professors without tenure are welcome to apply. Reapplications by previous applicants who did not win the award are possible, if the requirements stated above are fulfilled.

Of the 100,000 € award, 90.000 € is specified for the pursuit of the awardee’s research. The remaining 10,000 € can be used at his/her discretion.

Submit a PDF version of the following documents (in 11-point-type) to info@chs-stiftung.de:

  • Summary of current scientific achievements (one page).
  • Research plan (one page).
  • CV (one to two pages).
  • List of publications (original papers and reviews, abstracts and talks should be omitted).
  • Prizes and awards.
  • Third-party funding including principal investigator, funding organisation, duration and amount.
  • Members of the applicant’s research group including information on the funding of positions.
  • Signed privacy policy statement (Download here)

Please, no reprints, preprints or academic certificates.

Awards Made

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2024

Dr. Mandy Jeske has been awarded the 2024 Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2023

The 2023 Research Awards was presented to Dr. Petr Chlanda. (Heidelberg University)

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2022

The 2022 Research Awards of 100.000 € was presented to PD Dr. med. Michael Breckwoldt, Ph.D (Heidelberg University)

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2021

The 2021 Research Awards of 100.000 € was presented to Emanuel Schwarz, Ph.D  (ZI Mannheim)

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2020

The 2020 Research Awards of 100.000 € each were presented to Dr. Ana Oliveira (Heidelberg University) and Dr. Stefan Pfeffer (ZMBH).

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2017

The 2017 Research Awards of 100.000 € each were presented to Dr. Marieke Essers (DKFZ) and Dr. Theodore Alexandrov (EMBL).

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2016

The 2016 prize was awarded to Dr. Matthias Fischer of the MPI for Medical Research in Heidelberg.

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2015

The 2015 Research Awards of 100.000 € each were presented to Dr. Edward Lemke (EMBL) and Dr. Hai-Kun Liu (DKFZ).

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2014

The 2014 Research Awards were presented to two scientists. Dr. Jan Korbel (EMBL) and Dr. Brian Luke (ZMBH) each received a prize of 100.000 €.

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2012

Biochemist Dr. John Briggs, working at EMBL Heidelberg, has been selected to receive the prestigious Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2012.

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2011

Two outstanding scientists, Dr. Anton Meinhart (MPI for Medical Research) and Prof. Dr. Michael Platten (University of Heidelberg and DKFZ), received the 2011 research awards.

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2010

The 2010 research award was presented to Dr. Andreas Fischer (DKFZ and University of Heidelberg, Medical Faculty of Mannheim).

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2009

In recognition of his innovative studies on the role of mRNA in neuronal gene regulation, Dr. Gerhard Schratt, University of Heidelberg received the 2009 research award.

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2008

PD Dr. Tobias Dick (DKFZ Heidelberg), for his fundamental studies on the role of REDOX-processes in cellular signal transduction.

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2007

Dr. Victor Sourjik (ZMBH), for his contributions to quantitative analysis of molecular interactions in bacterial chemotaxis.

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2006

PD Dr. Matthias Kneussel (ZMNH, University Clinic of Hamburg), for his pivotal work on protein transport processes involved in the formation and plasticity of synapses in the central nervous system.
Dr. Kai Matuschewski (Department of Parasitology, University Hospital of Heidelberg), for his exceptional work on Plasmodium.

Chica and Heinz Schaller Research Award 2005

PD Dr. Rohini Kuner (Institute for Pharmacology, Heidelberg University), for her crucial findings on the function of synaptic proteins in neuronal disease and in memory of pain.