It’s that time again: the Ernst Achilles Award is entering its next round!
The Ernst Achilles Prize recognises final-year projects (Master’s and Bachelor’s) and dissertations that deal with outstanding innovations in the field of fire safety.
The aim is to promote and recognise innovative achievements in the sector and to inspire young talent to pursue a career in fire safety. In addition to the quality of the work, relevance and the benefits for potential users are key criteria for the evaluation of the work.
The Ernst Achilles Prize is endowed with the following prize money:
1st Place: 2,500 EUR
2nd Place: 1,500 EUR
3rd Place: 750 EUR
What types of work can be submitted?
The general submission criteria are:
- Graded final thesis (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
- Language: German or English
- The thesis must have been graded in 2025 or 2026
- The topic covered must, in the broadest sense, relate to or be applicable to fire safety and must also be innovative
- Only theses submitted by 27 August 2026 will be considered
- Theses already submitted in 2025 cannot be considered again
How should entries be submitted?
Submissions must be made via the online form at the bottom of this website. The following documents must be submitted for full participation:
- Scientific paper in PDF format
- A brief description of the paper (max. 2 A4 pages)
- Curriculum vitae
- Proof of grading
- Any patents granted
Further informations: see conditions of participation
By submitting your documents, you agree to the conditions of participation.
Timieline
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Submission period until 27 August 2026
- Judging by the jury – results announced on 27 October 2025
- 27 November 2026 – Awards ceremony in Cologne at the headquarters of FOGTEC Brandschutz GmbH
Who was Ernst Achilles?
Ernst Achilles is regarded as a pioneer in preventive fire safety and a trailblazer in medical emergency rescue by the fire service. As the long-standing head of the Frankfurt Fire Service and a university lecturer, he has had a decisive influence on German fire safety to this day through new ideas and approaches and is thus a champion of the spirit of further developing fire safety in Germany. Further information: Ernst Achilles Wikipedia