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Hightech Strategy
Green Talents
19.02.2013

Bright Minds with Green Ideas

Global warming, energy shortages, resource scarcity, and massive environmental contamination are some of today's biggest global challenges. The German Federal Government is taking responsibility by promoting sustainable development and green growth. Achieving sustainability, however, is a global undertaking. Based on our belief in the excellence and creativity of young scientists, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has created the Green Talents Competition. Exceptional young researchers from all over the world are given the opportunity to participate in this competition. The winners are invited to come to Germany, discuss green policies, visit renowned research institutions and companies, establish new contacts, and build networks with strong partners.
The topic of sustainable development has been a top priority of the Federal Government for many years. Germany is a world leader in sustainability research which is why the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is now preparing for its fifth annual Green Talents Competition.

The Green Talents 2012 receive their awards by Federal Minister Prof. Dr. Annette SchavanOn 23 October 2012, as part of the annual FONA-Forum for Sustainability in Berlin, the 25 winners of the 2012 Green Talents competition were given their awards. Hosted by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for the fourth time, the "Green Talents - International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development" attracted over 400 applications from 69 countries this year. In the end, the distinguished jury of experts selected 25 winners from 20 different countries, from Brazil to Zimbabwe, for their outstanding achievements in the area of sustainability. From renewable energy and resource management to the socio-political implications of new technologies, this year's winners covered an impressively broad range of academic research and achievement.

The awards ceremony was the final highlight of the winners' two-week tour of Germany. On visits to some of Germany's most renowned research institutes and companies, participants gained unique insight into sustainability research in Germany and had the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with some of the most well-known scientists in their respective fields. 2012 also marked the first official Green Talents alumni reunion, which brought together winners from 2009 to 2011 and featured several networking events.

Building on the new insights and contacts gained from the Germany tour, each of this year's winners will have the opportunity to return to Germany in 2013 for a research stay funded by the BMBF. Up to three months in duration, these research stays will lay the groundwork for future international collaboration in sustainability research.

Find out more about the Green Talents Competition here.

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