Call for Entries: Einstein Foundation Award

The Einstein Award for Promoting Quality in Research recognizes global researchers and institutions advancing transparency, integrity, and reproducibility in science. Offered in three categories—Individual, Institutional, and Early Career—the award provides up to €150,000 to support responsible research practices and cultural change in the global research ecosystem.

The Einstein Award for Promoting Quality in Research is an international research award presented by the Einstein Foundation Berlin in cooperation with the QUEST Center for Responsible Research at the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité.

It honors individuals, institutions, and early career researchers whose work significantly improves research quality, transparency, reproducibility, and integrity across disciplines and regions.

Overview of the Award

The award focuses on strengthening how scientific knowledge is produced, evaluated, and shared. It promotes responsible research conduct, sustainable research systems, and inclusive scientific cultures through innovative methodologies and structural change.

The initiative supports both practical interventions and cultural transformation aimed at improving the reliability and long-term value of research outputs.

Key Objectives of the Einstein Award

The Einstein Award is designed to advance research quality by supporting initiatives that:

• Improve transparency in research design, data sharing, and reporting

• Strengthen reproducibility and methodological rigor

• Promote inclusiveness and equity in research practices

• Encourage responsible research conduct and ethical standards

• Support sustainable and long-term improvements in research systems

• Drive cultural change through innovation and leadership in science

Award Categories and Funding Amounts

Individual Award

The Individual Award recognizes individual researchers or small teams whose work has made a substantial contribution to improving research integrity, openness, and quality.

Award amount: €150,000

Eligible recipients: Individual researchers or small collaborative teams

Institutional Award

The Institutional Award honors governmental or non-governmental organizations, universities, and research institutions that demonstrate a sustained and systemic commitment to improving research practices.

Award amount: €100,000

Eligible recipients: Research institutions, policy bodies, and organizations

Early Career Award

The Early Career Award supports early career researchers or small teams proposing innovative projects that strengthen research quality, transparency, and value.

Award amount: €100,000

Eligible recipients: Early career researchers or small research teams

Why the Early Career Award Matters

Early career researchers are critical drivers of change in research culture. They often introduce new tools, perspectives, and norms that promote openness, reliability, and sustainability in science.

This award enables early career researchers to:

• Develop and test innovative research quality initiatives

• Gain international recognition and visibility

• Influence research practices at institutional and disciplinary levels

• Build leadership capacity in responsible research

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility varies by award category, but in general, applicants may include:

• Researchers from any country or discipline

• Individual researchers or small research teams

• Early career researchers proposing future-oriented projects

• Governmental and non-governmental research organizations

• Institutions committed to improving research quality systems

There are no geographic restrictions, making the award globally accessible.

How the Selection Process Works

Evaluation and Jury Process

All submissions are evaluated by an international, interdisciplinary, and diverse jury composed of researchers and research quality advocates.

The jury is convened by the Einstein Foundation Council, which holds full responsibility for selecting the final awardees.

Key Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Impact on research quality, transparency, and reproducibility

• Innovation and originality of approach

• Sustainability and scalability of the initiative

• Contribution to cultural or systemic change in research

• Alignment with responsible research principles

How to Apply or Participate

While application timelines and procedures may vary by year, applicants typically need to:

1. Identify the most relevant award category

2. Prepare a clear description of past achievements or proposed projects

3. Demonstrate impact on research quality and integrity

4. Highlight innovation, scalability, and long-term value

5. Submit materials according to the Einstein Foundation’s official guidelines

Applicants are encouraged to present concrete outcomes, measurable improvements, and transferable lessons.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Focusing only on scientific results rather than research processes

• Failing to explain how the work improves transparency or reproducibility

• Submitting vague or theoretical ideas without practical implementation

• Overlooking sustainability and long-term impact

• Not clearly defining the target research community or system

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Einstein Award for Promoting Quality in Research?

It is an international award recognizing efforts that improve research quality, transparency, reproducibility, and integrity in science.

Who funds and organizes the award?

The award is presented by the Einstein Foundation Berlin in cooperation with the QUEST Center for Responsible Research at the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité.

How much funding does the award provide?

Funding ranges from €100,000 to €150,000, depending on the award category.

Is the award limited to specific countries or disciplines?

No. The award is open to researchers and institutions worldwide across all disciplines.

Can early career researchers apply individually?

Yes. Early career researchers may apply individually or as part of small teams under the Early Career Award category.

How are awardees selected?

An international and interdisciplinary jury evaluates submissions based on impact, innovation, sustainability, and contribution to research quality.

Does the award support future projects or past achievements?

Both. Some categories recognize proven contributions, while others support proposed initiatives aimed at improving research quality.

Conclusion

The Einstein Award for Promoting Quality in Research plays a vital role in advancing transparent, reproducible, and responsible science worldwide.

By supporting individuals, institutions, and early career researchers, the award drives meaningful cultural and systemic change, ensuring that research practices remain credible, inclusive, and sustainable for the future.