The Wöhler Association for Inorganic Chemistry annually awards the Wöhler PhD Award for Inorganic Chemistry to young scientists of any nationality in recognition of outstanding scientific achievements for an excellent doctorate completed in Germany (Inorganic Molecular Chemistry). The prize is endowed with 1000 euros per person. Only self-applications will be considered. A maximum of two winners will be honoured per call for applications.

The Wöhler PhD Award was announced for the first time for the award in 2022.

The Wöhler Association for Inorganic Chemistry of the GDCh is once again offering the Wöhler PhD Award for 2026.

The prize is awarded to young scientists of any nationality in recognition of outstanding scientific achievements for an excellent doctorate completed in Germany. The dissertation, which touches on the scientific field represented in the Division (Inorganic Molecular Chemistry), was completed, including the defence, in 2025. Only self-applications will be considered. These must include a statement on the exceptional quality of the doctoral thesis, which stands out due to its innovative character and its particular relevance for the future and further development of the subject. We expressly ask qualified female doctoral candidates to submit their applications.

A jury consisting of representatives from academia and industry and appointed by the Board of the Wöhler Association will decide on the selection.

The prize includes an award certificate and prize money of € 1,000. The winners will give a presentation on the results of their work at the GDCh Lecture Conference for Inorganic Chemistry of the Division of Solid-State Chemistry & Materials Research and Wöhler Association for Inorganic Chemistry 2026 (07-09/09/Jena).

The application must include the following documents:

- a letter of application from the applicant
- a copy of the doctoral certificate
- the completed application form
- up to three key publications related to the doctorate, with the decisive participation of the applicant

Applications should be sent to the Wöhler Association for Inorganic Chemistry, n.buerger@gdch.de, by 30 March 2026.

2025
tba

2024
Dr Philipp Dabringhaus, Cambridge/USA
Dr Susanne M. Rupf, Berlin

2023
Dr Philip M. Stanley, Munich
Dr Lilian S. Szych, Oxford/UK

2022
Dr Gabriele Hierlmeier, Langquaid
Dr Bastian Rösch, Emskirchen