Award for outstanding research achievements  and publication strength

"The Research Award is a great motivation to continue researching with our fantastic students," said Prof Dr Benedikt Klobes, expressing his thanks for the recognition of his work at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. The doctor of physics has been teaching physics, mathematics and materials technology in Bremerhaven since 2017 and eloquently took his audience into "the lowlands of laboratory work" at the guest evening organised by the Friends' Association of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences and emphasised how much he enjoys getting students excited about research. The jury was extremely pleased that he not only actively involves young scientists in his research activities, but also names them as co-authors of his scientific publications: "In this way, he offers young scientists a valuable platform to gain their first experience in research publication," emphasised Prof. Dr Ulrich Sander, member of the jury and board of the Friends' Association of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. Together with University Rector Prof. Dr Dr Alexis Papathanassis, he presented Benedikt Klobes with the Research Award 2025, which is endowed with 1,000 euros. The prizewinner will also share his award and, above all, the prize money with others: "First of all, I will invite the employees from my laboratories to dinner."

Recognising outstanding publication achievements

The universities in the state of Bremen have recently been given the opportunity to obtain the right to award doctorates in particularly research-intensive areas - an important step that is currently being prepared with great care. In order to obtain this right, the members of a doctoral network must fulfil strict criteria and prove their individual research strength - among other things through high-quality scientific publications. "With this in mind, we would like to recognise outstanding publication achievements with the Research Award this year," explained Ulrich Sander. "Not only the number of publications was assessed, but also their quality, visibility, the context in which they were produced and the involvement of early career researchers. Given the large number of excellent academics at the university, the jury had no easy task weighing up the criteria and making a selection."

"Bridge builder between teaching and research"

Prof Dr Benedikt Klobes' research focuses on semiconductor physics and the investigation of nanoparticles. His methods include the technique of X-ray Raman spectroscopy. "It is not only the thematic spectrum of his research that is remarkable, but also the fact that he manages to make his research visible at an international level despite his high teaching commitments at a university of applied sciences," Ulrich Sander quoted from the jury's statement. "With Prof. Dr Benedikt Klobes, we are honouring a scientist who researches, teaches and publishes with extraordinary commitment - and thus enriches not only his university, but also the entire scientific landscape. He is a role model, a bridge builder between teaching and research and a convincing ambassador for the research power of universities of applied sciences." 

Application-orientated research is of great importance at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. It not only enables the development of new methods and the acquisition of new knowledge, but also research-based teaching and learning. In order to recognise special achievements in the field of research, the Research Award of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences is presented annually. The prize, which is endowed with €1,000, is sponsored by the Friends' Association of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences.

Translated on behalf of DeepL.