Application
Novalis and Blütenstaub Prize 2027

The International Novalis Society and the Friedrich Schiller University Jena (Jena Center for Romanticism Research) are offering the Novalis Prize 2027 for innovative research (dissertations and post-doctoral theses) on the subject of European Romanticism. The prize is endowed with 2,500 euros and is awarded internationally.
 

About the Novalis Prize

The Novalis Prize is awarded to innovative and stimulating research on European Romanticism that breaks new ground in its fields (the arts, sciences, philosophy, religion and society). Prizes are awarded for work that enables a new understanding of historical and systematic contexts or of inter-media interactions. Research work will be recognized that exemplifies interdisciplinary tendencies, as can be found in the work of the prize's namesake, or discusses methodological and theoretical fundamental questions of Romanticism research on selected subjects. Conceptually supported translations of central texts of European Romanticism can also be honored.

The prize is intended to recognize outstanding contributions by young academics to the critical reception and conceptual definition of the phenomenon of European Romanticism and to make them known to a broader academic public.
 

About the Blütenstaub Prize

Together with the Novalis Prize, a Pollen Prize is awarded to promote creative explorations of European Romanticism, namely to high school and university students. The prize is awarded to projects that succeed in creating contemporary approaches to Romantic traditions, ideas and concepts and in bringing to mind the topicality of Romantic issues. The Blütenstaub Prize comes with prize money of 500 euros.
 

Application modalities

The supervisors or reviewers of the research work are entitled to nominate candidates for the Novalis Prize. As a rule, dissertations should have been graded "summa cum laude". The following must be submitted by September 30, 2026 to the addresses given (see sidebar)

1. a brief justification that the submitted work makes a significant contribution to current research

2. a written copy and a PDF of the proposed work

3. a brief summary of the research process and the results (abstract of 1 to 2 pages);

4. the reviews and

5. a scientific curriculum vitae and

6. a declaration of consent from the author of the research work.

Pupils and students can also apply directly for the Blütenstaub Prize with their submissions until September 30, 2026. Suggestions from supervisors and mentors are expressly welcome. Please enclose the following to the addresses below

1. a written copy and a PDF of the work produced or a digital file in a common format (if it is a digitally implemented project)

2. a written explanation by the submitter of the purpose and origin of the project (1 to 2 pages);

3. a brief description of the applicant's previous academic and, if applicable, university career;

4. if endorsements from supervisors and/or mentors are available, these are desired to accompany the submission.

An international jury will decide on the awards on the basis of an internal review process and the final vote of the appointed committee.
 

Awarding of prizes

The Novalis Prize and the Pollen Prize 2027 will be awarded on the occasion of the 254th birthday of the poet, jurist and philosopher Friedrich von Hardenberg "Novalis" (1772-1801) at Oberwiederstedt Castle in early May 2027.
 

Patrons

The Minister Presidents of Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia are patrons of the Novalis Prize. The Pollen Prize is awarded under the patronage of the former President of the International Novalis Society Prof. Dr. Dennis Mahoney (University of Vermont) as well as the President of the University of Jena Prof. Dr. Andreas Marx and the founder of the foundation "Wege wagen mit Novalis" Dr. Arved Grieshaber.