At a ceremonial event on 10 February, South Korean chemistry student Injung Choi was presented with the DAAD Prize of Ulm University. Professor Dieter Rautenbach handed over the certificate and a symbolic cheque. The University’s Vice President for Career Affairs emphasized: “International students like you are not only a tremendous asset to the University, but also to our society as a whole.” The prize is endowed with €1,000.
Injung Choi is in the third semester of her Master’s degree in Chemistry. The 25-year-old ranks among the top students in her cohort. “She impressed the selection committee with her outstanding academic achievements, her exceptional motivation and her social commitment – particularly her dedication to supporting international students and promoting intercultural exchange,” explained Daniela Englisch, Director of the International Office, at the award ceremony.
In April 2024, Injung Choi moved to Ulm. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Ewha Womans University in Seoul and, through a double degree programme, also obtained a BA in Business Administration. During her studies in Seoul, she had already spent time in Germany: as an exchange student at Osnabrück University and for a laboratory internship at Goethe University Frankfurt. “I chose Ulm for my master study because the University has an excellent reputation in electrochemistry and green energy,” said Choi. The young South Korean has a strong interest in renewable energy and in technologies for sustainable energy storage and conversion – whether batteries, fuel cells or solar energy. Her huge goal as a scientist is to pass on the Earth as healthy as possible to the next generations. She particularly appreciates the close contact with other chemists, physicists, and engineers in her programme, as questions of practical application and interdisciplinary research fascinate her.
Professor Markus Hölzle, who initiated her nomination, knows the student not only from his lectures but is also aware of her aptitude for laboratory work. Hölzle is Professor of Electrochemical Energy Storage and Energy Conversion and a member of the Executive Board of the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW). “Injung Choi contributes to classes with great commitment and is always thoroughly prepared,” he praised, describing her own style, characterised by remarkable determination and an exceptional performance. Since October 2024, she has been working as a student research assistant in the laboratory at ZSW. “She familiarised herself with the work there in no time at all. Injung Choi is open-minded, curious, cooperative and highly focused, with a strong interest in research and science,” the electrochemist emphasised in his nomination letter. Professor Radim Beranek from the Institute of Electrochemistry, who also knows Injung Choi from his courses, likewise supported her nomination. He speaks highly of the Master’s student, who ranks among the best in her year.
The nomination was also supported by the Student Representative Council (StuVe) of Ulm University. There, the chemistry student is actively involved in the International Unit, organising events for international students. “I want them to feel at home here and to find their way more easily,” says the South Korean student, who still remembers her own time in Osnabrück and the support she received there. She is grateful for that help and now wishes to give something back. “At StuVe, we value not only her competence and dedication, but also her friendliness and open manner,” said Igor Mikhailov of the Student Representative Council, last year’s prize recipient.
Injung Choi feels very much at home in Germany and is learning German with great commitment. She is also delighted that interest in South Korea has grown significantly in recent years. “In the past, I had to explain to everyone where South Korea is located. Today, everyone knows where it is and is even familiar with some aspects of our culture, and that makes me proud and gives me hope for many more meaningful encounters between Germany and South Korea in the future,” the DAAD Prize winner adds. She now sees herself as a cultural ambassador in both countries.
About the DAAD Prize
Each year, Ulm University awards the DAAD Prize, endowed with €1,000, to international students who have achieved exceptional academic and social distinction. The award brings recipients into the spotlight of the University community and gives them special recognition and appreciation – individually, but also as role models and ambassadors for the University’s approximately 1,300 international students. The DAAD Prize ceremony is organised by the International Office of Ulm University, coordinated by Anneli Williams.