For the second time, the EWE Foundation, in co-operation with the University of Oldenburg, will be awarding the Helene Lange Prize this autumn to outstanding young female researchers. The nationwide call for entries for the award, which comes with a prize of 10,000 euros, is open to young female researchers in the natural sciences, mathematics, Computing Science and engineering. Applications must be submitted by 17 September 2010. The selection of the winner will be carried out by a jury comprising leading experts.

Studies show that qualified women remain significantly under-represented in leadership positions in science and business to this day. With the Helene Lange Prize, the EWE Foundation and the University of Oldenburg aim to highlight this issue and pay special tribute to the achievements of outstanding female scientists. The 2009 prize winner was Dr Anke Schmeink, who is now an assistant professor in the field of information theory and systematic design of communication systems at RWTH Aachen University.
Candidates should have completed their studies with a PhD and have opted for an academic career, but not yet have been appointed to a full professorship. In addition to work on pioneering research projects, the profile of the 2010 Helene Lange Prize winner also includes relevant publications and teaching experience. The detailed requirements and the online application form can be found at www.helene-lange-preis.de.

The award ceremony will take place on 23 October 2010 at the EWE Forum Alte Fleiwa. The prize is individually designed by the artist Bärbel Hische and will be presented by the Chairman of the EWE Foundation, Dr Werner Brinker, during a ceremony.

The prize is named after Helene Lange, who was born in Oldenburg in 1848 and dedicated her life to improving the education system. She is regarded as one of the most important pioneers of girls’ and women’s education in Germany.

Further information