UW/H Young Scholar Award for Outstanding Research in PPE
About the Award
The UW/H Young Scholar Award for Outstanding Research in PPE is an international prize of Witten/Herdecke University. It honours early-career scholars who make an original, well-argued contribution to Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) and whose work points to more to come.
We are interested in work that thinks philosophically, politically and economically at once. How can markets be made fair? What holds democracies together?
Witten/Herdecke was the first university in Germany to offer PPE as a degree programme in its own right. The Award builds on that profile: the faculty wants to make good early-career research visible and to stay in touch with the scholars it honours.
Three prizes are awarded:
- First Prize: EUR 2,500
- Second Prize: EUR 1,500
- Third Prize: EUR 1,000
The Award is funded by the UW/H-Stiftung.
How to apply?
In 3 steps
By 15 February 2027 you can submit your own research or nominate a scholar whose work makes a distinctive contribution to PPE.
Spring 2027: A selection committee from the PPE community at Witten/Herdecke University evaluates all submissions against the published criteria. Where it makes sense, external academic experts are involved.
Late spring 2027: The winners will be announced publicly and invited to give a lecture or presentation on their research at UW/H — during the summer term of 2027, either in person or online.
Who can apply?
The Award is open to early-career scholars working in PPE or a closely related field, for example political science, economics, political theory, social theory, public policy, institutional analysis, ethics or law.
As a general guide, candidates should normally be within six years of the successful defence or official acceptance of their doctoral dissertation. We take career interruptions and other justified exceptions into account.
Submitted work should be written in English or German. Work in other languages may be considered with a substantial English summary.
Self-nominations and nominations by others are equally welcome.
What are we looking for? Assess submissions against five criteria:
The Award is not tied to a single method. Theoretical, normative, empirical, historical and formal work is as welcome as qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods approaches. What counts is the contribution to PPE.
Many topics are conceivable, from democracy and justice to sustainability and inequality, technological change, public health and global order.
Required documents & Submission
Please combine the following documents in a single PDF file:
- Curriculum vitae
- List of publications
- A statement (maximum two pages) on what the research contributes to PPE and why it matters for the field
- Confirmation of the successful defence or official acceptance of the dissertation, including the date of completion
- Two or three representative research outputs (journal articles, working papers or dissertation chapters)
- For nominations: a short nomination letter
- Optional: one academic reference or supervisor's statement
Submission: by email, as a single PDF file, to Jan-Christoph.Heilinger@uni-wh.de
Application deadline: 15 February 2027
Timetable
| Phase | Timing |
|---|---|
| Publication of the call | Fall 2026 |
| Application deadline | Winter 2026 |
| Review and selection | Spring 2027 |
| Announcement of winners | Late spring 2027 |
| Award lecture / public presentation | Summer term 2027 |
FAQs
Who counts as an "early-career scholar"?
As a general guide, candidates should normally be within six years of the successful defence or official acceptance of their doctoral dissertation. Career interruptions (e.g. parental leave, caregiving, or other justified reasons) are taken into account — please get in touch if you are unsure whether you qualify.
Can I nominate someone instead of applying myself?
Yes. Nominations from colleagues, supervisors, or other members of the academic community are explicitly welcome and are considered on equal footing with self-nominations.
In which language must the application be submitted?
In English or German. Work in other languages may be considered if accompanied by a substantial English summary and sufficient documentation for evaluation.
Who sits on the selection committee?
Members of the PPE community at Witten/Herdecke University, together with external academic experts where appropriate.
Will I receive feedback if I am not selected?
Yes. All applicants and nominees will receive feedback once the selection process has concluded, regardless of outcome.
What happens after the award is given?
Winners are publicly announced and invited to present their research at UW/H during the summer term 2027 — in person or online, for example as part of the PPE Conference, a lecture series, or a colloquium. UW/H's Communication & Marketing team accompanies the announcement with press and social media coverage.
How is my data processed?
By submitting your application or nomination, you consent to the processing of your personal data in accordance with Witten/Herdecke University's privacy policy, for the purpose of conducting the selection process. Your consent may be withdrawn at any time by emailing studium@uni-wh.de. Further information is available in the privacy policy.
Who can I contact with questions?
Prof. Dr. Jan-Christoph Heilinger or Prof. Dr. Lukas Stoetzer — contact details below.
Contact
Univ.-Prof. Dr.
Jan-Christoph Heilinger
Chair Holder
Faculty of Management, Economics and Society (Department of Philosophy, Politics and Economics) | Chair of Moral and Political Philosophy
Programme Coordinator B.A. PPÖ – Philosophie, Politik und Ökonomik
Faculty of Management, Economics and Society (Department of Philosophy, Politics and Economics)
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 Witten
Room number: E.102
Univ.-Prof. Dr.
Lukas Stötzer
Professor
Faculty of Management, Economics and Society (Department of Philosophy, Politics and Economics) | Professorship of Quantitative Methods
Programme Coordinator B.Sc. Social Data Science
Faculty of Management, Economics and Society
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 Witten