In 2025, the University of Stuttgart, together with the “Green Office”, is awarding a Sustainability Award for the first time – supported by the University of Stuttgart Foundation and the Studentenwerk Stuttgart e.V. The award recognizes individuals and initiatives that make a significant contribution to sustainability at the university through research and teaching, practical measures and active commitment. The focus is on knowledge-building projects and specific measures that contribute to a resource-conserving, sustainable and fair university.
How do I apply?
You can apply yourself or nominate another person or initiative. To make a nomination, simply answer the guiding questions in the application guide on a maximum of 3 pages. Please send applications by email. The application deadline is September 12, 2025.
What are the prize categories?
1. Sustainable knowledge
Do you contribute to sustainable development through your research or teaching? For example, are you developing teaching offers on sustainability or pursuing sustainable projects and technologies? Are you integrating sustainability into new subject areas or supporting the transfer of knowledge to society or business? Then apply in this category!
2. Sustainable practice
Are you committed to sustainability in research or teaching, or do you focus specifically on measures such as energy-efficient lab processes, reducing waste or valuable resources in your research processes, promoting sustainable working methods or paying attention to sustainable procurement? Then this is the right category for you!
3. Sustainable management
Do you promote sustainable development in university operations, in divisions, faculties or institutes through your ideas and your commitment? Are you designing sustainable workflows, digitalizing processes, promoting climate-friendly mobility or motivating and informing colleagues about sustainability in the working environment and everyday life? Then submit your application for this category!
4. Sustainable studying
Are you a student initiating your own sustainability projects, organizing related events, networking with partners on the topic or getting involved in university sustainability committees? Then apply for the student category!
What can I win?
- Prize money of €1,500 per category for personal use
- Public award ceremony
- Media presence on all university communication channels
- Networking opportunities with other sustainability stakeholders
What are the selection criteria for the award?
Applications will be evaluated by a jury consisting of members of the university management, sustainability experts and representatives of the university.
Selection is based on the following criteria: Relevance with regard to current sustainability challenges, potential for development and transfer of best practices, personal commitment, effectiveness, reach and longevity, innovation and originality as well as the integration of several sustainability dimensions.
How and when are the prizes announced and awarded?
The student prize is supported by the Studentenwerk Stuttgart e.V. (Stuwe). The winner of the student prize will be announced on October 6, 2025 during the Avete Academici by the Rector Prof. Peter Middendorf.
The University of Stuttgart Foundation will announce the winners in the employee categories and award the prizes in all categories during the academic annual celebration on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Award winners will receive a letter of approval. If an application is rejected, the applicant will receive a written rejection. There is no legal entitlement to funding.
Sustainability needs action – we look forward to receiving your application!
