Register now for Science Day 2026!
To enable us to take your attendance into account in our planning (seating, drinks and snacks), please register via the following link:
Register here
(Note: The link takes you to the training portal of the provider, aktivKONZEPTE).
Alternatively, please send us an email at protrainu(at)uni-ulm.de.
Young Researchers’ Science Day
At the Science Day, early-career researchers and the topic of science communication take center stage. Early-career scientists present their innovative research ideas in concise pitches to a broad audience – fostering interdisciplinary exchange within the university.
2026 Programme:
Science Slam
Selected early-career researchers compete in a science-slam-style format, pitching their project ideas. The best presentations can receive up to €50,000 in funding to realize their projects.
Keynote by Maciej Tusz: Critical Thinking – When AI Does the Work
Get-together
The program will conclude with an informal networking session.
Participation & application for 2027
Your chance at the next Science Day!
Submit your project idea and take the opportunity to participate in a professional pitch training. Selected early-career researchers will then present their projects to the university community at the next Science Day.
The two best project ideas will be awarded by the Board of ProTrainU with €50,000 (1st prize) and €30,000 (2nd prize).
Funding period: 24 months
The funding may be used for materials, equipment, and student assistants. Please refer to the applications guidelines for details on how exactly the funds may be used.
Who can apply?
Postdoctoral researchers from all faculties of Ulm University are eligible to apply prior to submitting their habilitation thesis. Members of the Medical Faculty should please observe the details in the call for applications guidelines.
Further information on the eligibility criteria, the assessment criteria and the selection process can be found in the call for proposals.
FAQs
Here you will find frequently asked questions.
Timetable
| July 2026 | Next call for applications |
| 22–23 July 2026 | Information session |
| 19 August 2026 | Application deadline |
| October 2026 | Selection of applicants who will be invited to pitch at Science Day 2026 |
| 13 October 2026 | Pitch training by Entrepreneurs Campus (2.00 pm – 5.00 pm) |
| 16 October 2026 | Rehearsal pitch (2.00 pm – 5.00 pm) |
| 21 October 2026 | Presentation of the pitches at the Young Researchers’ Science Day (approx. 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm) |
| 1 January 2027 | Start of funding |
This table is intended to serve as a rough guide for your personal planning. However, minor changes at short notice are still possible.
Downloads & Links
The updated funding directive and application template for the next call for proposals will be available in July 2027.
Information on data protection according to German law (Art. 13 DSGVO) - German only
REVIEW 2025
Science Day 2025 was about more than just a pitch competition: Awards were presented to Dr Julia Téoule (endometriosis research) and Dr Christine Schillings (body perception under stress) – whilst guest speaker Dr Jan-Martin Wiarda reinforced the importance of science communication and academic freedom. You can find the key background information on the event in the press release.
From left to right:
Prof Dieter Rautenbach, Dr Julia Téoule, Dr Christine Schillings, Dr Lina Braun, Dr Miray Fidan Assfalg, Gabriela Flores Rangel and Dr Johannes Ziegler
(Photo: Elvira Eberhardt / University of Ulm)
Keynote speech by Dr Jan-Martin Wiarda
Science journalist - blogger - expert for education and higher education policy
We were delighted to welcome the renowned science journalist and blogger Dr. Jan-Martin Wiarda. With his widely read Wiarda Blog, he has been covering developments in education and science policy for years. His extensive experience – including as an editor at Die Zeit and head of communications for the Helmholtz Association – makes him one of the most prominent voices in the German education and science landscape.
REVIEW 2024
At the 4th Young Researchers’ Science Day at Ulm University, a total of €80,000 in prize money was awarded to early-career researchers.
The first prize of €50,000 in the pitch competition was awarded to clinical psychologist Dr. Melissa Hitzler. The second prize of €30,000 went to medical researcher Dr. Sarah Schröder. The other three finalists each received a mobility voucher worth €1,800.
The following video features the guest lecture by superhero scientist and science communicator Barry W. Fitzgerald on the topic “Science Communication Lessons with Iron Man and Santa Claus.”
President of Ulm University Prof. Michael Weber (right) with f.l.t.r.:
Dr. Andreas Obermeier, Ann-Kathrin Kissmann, Dr. Melissa Hitzler, Dr. Robin Lochbaum and Dr. Sarah Schröder
(photo: Elvira Eberhardt / Uni Ulm)
REVIEW 2023
As part of the 3rd Young Researchers’ Science Day, Ulm University celebrated its scientific up-and-coming scientists. The centrepiece of the event was the Science Slam, in which six young researchers competed against one another. The winners, Dr Maximilian Förster and Luisa de Roy, will share the prize money totalling 80,000 euros.
Communications expert Antje Diller-Wolff gave a talk on how to deal confidently with media contacts. The video is available via the university’s internal network.
f.l.t.r.
Luisa de Roy, Dr. Dominik Melville, Novitasari Sinambela, Dr. Maximilian Förster, Marco Mannes, Prof. Dieter Rautenbach, Dr. Magdalena Meyer, Antje Diller-Wolff, Dr. Cornelia Estner, Clarissa Gobiet, Pia Beyer-Wunsch
(photo: Elvira Eberhardt / Uni Ulm)
Review 2022
At the 2nd Young Researchers’ Science Day at Ulm University, a total of €80,000 in prize money was once again awarded to early-career researchers.
The first prize of €50,000 in the pitch competition went to social psychologist and psychotherapist Dr. Michael Barthelmäs. The second price of €30,000 was awarded to biochemist Dr. Matthias Mack. The other four finalists each received a mobility voucher worth €1,500.
The Young Researchers’ Science Day has already become very well established.
The following video features a lecture by Dr. Eleni Vomhof on “Anwendungsfelder der Wissenschaftskommunikation in der Wirtschaft”. As a graduate in biophysics from Ulm University and a Technical Marketing Specialist at WITec in Ulm, she explains the significant role science communication plays in her daily work.
f.l.t.r.
Clarissa Gobiet, Dr. Cornelia Estner, Dr. Matthias Mack,
Dr. Subrata Mandal, Dr. Michael Barthelmäs, Dr. Eileen Bendig,
Dr. Michael Schön, Pia Beyer-Wunsch, Dr. Brecht Donvil,
Prof. Dieter Rautenbach
(photo: Elvira Eberhardt / Uni Ulm)
REVIEW 2021
A successful premiere of the 1st Young Researchers’ Science Day at Ulm University! The innovative pitch format was very well received by all participants and the audience, making it clear that the Young Researchers’ Science Day will be held again in 2022.
The following video features a lecture by Dr. Patrick Honecker on “Wissenschaft und Kommunikation”. (Note: Due to technical issues during the presentation, the video has been edited)
f.l.t.r.
Pia Beyer-Wunsch, Clarissa Gobiet, Prof. Dieter Rautenbach,
Dr. Silke Werle, Dr. Michael Melzer, Dr. Flora Scheffenbichler,
Dr. Jens Friedland, Rida Rehman, Prof. Michael Weber,
Dr. Cornelia Estner
(photo: Carola Gietzen Fotodesign / Uni Ulm)