The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has awarded the "Fundamental Academic Values Award" for the second time, recognising three young researchers from Romania, Germany, and Brazil for their contributions to essential academic principles such as academic freedom and university autonomy. The award is financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). 

DAAD President Joybrato Mukherjee emphasised the importance of safeguarding academic freedoms in Europe against populism and misinformation. “The Basic Values Award celebrates young scientists at the start of their careers, encouraging them to uphold these principles,” he stated. 

The 2024 award recipients include Romanian Prof. Dr. Daniela Craciun from the University of Twente (1st place), Dr. Lars Lott from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (2nd place), and Fernando Romani Sales from the University of São Paulo (3rd place).  

The award supports fundamental academic values agreed upon by member states of the European Higher Education Area, including freedom of research and teaching, integrity, and university autonomy. 

Find out more in DAAD’s press release.