The prize, which has been awarded annually since 2017, recognises scientific work that stands out for its innovative strength, practical relevance and social significance. Each of the winning entries receives 500 euros. In addition, the winners receive professional coaching to prepare them optimally for the award ceremony.
Representatives from academia, business, politics and civil society attended the award ceremony in lecture hall K001 and the foyer of OTH Regensburg. In ten-minute presentations, the award winners presented their work in a clear, lively and practical manner. The audience, including numerous professors, supervisors and deans, rewarded the presentations with loud applause.
Research with an impact on society and the economy
‘The Science Award represents our university's unique approach to knowledge transfer,’ emphasised Prof. Dr Oliver Steffens, Vice President of Research and International Affairs at OTH Regensburg, in his welcoming speech. ‘Our award winners impressively demonstrate how research at OTH Regensburg combines scientific excellence with practical benefits – and thus makes concrete contributions to solutions for social and technological challenges.’
Michael Thurner, Chairman of the Association of Friends of OTH Regensburg e.V., also emphasised the importance of the award in his welcoming address: ‘The Science Award is particularly close to our hearts because it highlights what makes the university so strong: bright minds who are passionate about research and at the same time have the courage to put their findings into practice. The work shows how science can directly create added value for the economy and society.’
The 2025 award winners
This year's award winners represent the university's wide range of subjects and disciplines – from architecture and engineering to social research and digitalisation:
Theresa Müller (Faculty of Architecture, Master's in Historical Building Research)
‘The Böhmerwaldhaus at Schloßhof 13 in Treffelstein in the district of Cham. An architectural history study.’
In her Master's thesis in the Historical Building Research programme, Theresa Müller examined a listed farmhouse in the border area of the Bavarian Forest. With meticulous source work, model reconstructions and a comprehensive architectural history analysis, she has made an important contribution to the preservation of regional building culture. Parts of her research concept will be incorporated into the planned renovation of the building.
Sarah Fink (Faculty of Business and Management, Master's in European Business)
‘Augmented and Virtual Reality along the Tourism Customer Journey’
Sarah Fink analysed the potential and limitations of digital technologies in tourism marketing. Her research shows how virtual and augmented reality applications can accompany travellers before, during and after a trip – and which factors influence the acceptance of these technologies.
Christoph Moser (Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics, Master's in Computer Science)
‘Development of a concept to ensure a constant mobile phone connection between SAE Level 4 fully automated vehicles and technical supervision.’
The computer science graduate developed a device that detects dead spots and optimises network coverage for autonomous vehicles. The work was carried out in cooperation with industry partners and is part of ongoing research projects in the field of future mobility.
Samuel Mödl (Faculty of Civil Engineering, Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering)
‘Possible applications of exoskeletons in occupational safety on construction sites.’
In his bachelor's thesis, Mödl investigated the use of exoskeletons to relieve the strain on construction workers. His findings show how the technology can help prevent accidents at work and improve physical health in the construction industry – an issue with significant social and economic benefits.
Judith Jank (Faculty of Business and Management, Master's in Logistics)
‘Identification of optimisation potential with regard to work centre groupings in an opto-semiconductor factory.’
In cooperation with ams OSRAM, Jank developed a method for automating production key figures. Her analysis contributes to making processes in highly complex manufacturing environments more efficient and transparent.
Yvonne Irlenborn (Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Master's in Social Work)
‘Motivating citizens to engage in voluntary and honorary work.’
Irlenborn surveyed citizens of a Bavarian municipality about their involvement in voluntary work. Her findings provide valuable insights for local engagement policy and show ways in which communities can strengthen social cohesion. Parts of her work have already been published in a scientific conference proceedings.
Audience award presented
For the first time this year, an audience award was presented in addition to the Science Award – it went to the presentation that received the loudest applause after the lectures. After several exciting rounds, Samuel Mödl narrowly won the competition.
At the end of the event, guests and award winners took the opportunity to exchange ideas and network in the foyer. One thing became clear: Research at OTH Regensburg means combining science and practice – while always keeping people in mind.
The Science Award has been presented annually since 2017 by the Association of Friends of OTH Regensburg e.V. The award recognises outstanding theses from various disciplines at the university. The jury evaluates the scientific quality, innovative content and practical relevance of the submitted theses.
