On 28 November 2025, the German Society for Materials Science (DGM) organised a virtual competition where six early-career researchers presented their master’s theses. The event demonstrated the excellence and diversity of emerging research in materials science, impressing both jury members and the audience.

Each finalist delivered a 20-minute presentation followed by a discussion, covering a broad spectrum of topics and offering new scientific insights. The talks were highly appreciated not only for their innovation but also for their clarity, structure, and scientific depth.

Award Winners

After deliberation, the jury selected three awardees:

• 1st place: Andrada-Ioana Damian-Buda, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)

• 2nd place: Seyed Alireza Sheikholeslami, University of Freiburg

• 3rd place: Yosra Dammak, Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials

All three winners receive a free one-year DGM membership.
In addition, the first-place awardee is invited to participate in FEMS Junior EUROMAT 2026 in Greece, with complimentary registration. It will present her work to the international community of young materials scientists.

Acknowledgements

FEMS warmly congratulates the winners and thanks everyone involved for their contribution to this successful event, including the participating graduates and the expert jury:

• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Balle

• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Aldo Boccaccini

• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Manuela Kilian

• Prof. Dr. Anna Zervaki

This initiative reflects the important role of national materials societies in supporting and promoting the next generation of materials researchers across Europe.