As in previous years, the Association of German Railway Engineers (VDEI) will once again present the "VDEI Award" for outstanding work by young engineers at the 29th International Exhibition for Track Technology iaf (May 20-22, 2025). Through this award, the association aims to specifically promote the next generation of engineers in the rail transport sector.
The award is intended to encourage innovative theses by young engineers from German-speaking countries.
VDEI expects the submitted work to offer novel suggestions for the modernization of existing railway infrastructure and its equipment, as well as methods for more efficient operations in the railway system. These ideas should help make rail-based transportation more attractive compared to other forms of transport or individual travel.
The following criteria apply to the VDEI Award 2025:
Topic Selection
A specific topic is not predetermined. The innovative solutions should address current challenges in rail transport or tackle challenges faced by companies involved in planning, production, or construction in the sector. The topic should be comprehensively covered, and solutions should be developed that incorporate modern advancements.
Eligibility
Work can be submitted by individuals, groups of students, or young engineers who are studying or have studied at a European university. Engineers who have been employed for no longer than three years or are still studying are eligible to participate.
Submissions must be in German to be considered.
Award Criteria
The VDEI Award 2025 will be presented during an event at the 29th International Exhibition for Track Technology iaf (May 20-22, 2025). The winner(s) will have the opportunity to present their work to an audience.
Required Documents for Application
In addition to the main work, the following must be submitted:
- A résumé of the author(s)
- A motivation letter stating the reasons for participating
- An evaluation of the submitted work from a university, college, or a company/government agency
Submissions can be made by the authors themselves or by universities, colleges, companies, or government agencies. They must be received by December 16, 2024, 4:00 PM, at VDEI-Service GmbH, Invalidenstraße 90, 10115 Berlin.
By submitting, the applicant confirms that they hold the copyright to the submitted solution or provides proof of permission from the rights holder to use the copyright. Only submissions in digital format as PDF files on a corresponding storage medium or via email to the following email address: info@vdei-akademie.de will be considered. The motivation letter and reasons for participation should also be attached as a signed PDF file. Participation in the VDEI Award 2025 is subject to legal recourse being excluded.
Jury
The jury for the VDEI Award consists of:
- The head of the VDEI Academy (Chair of the Jury)
- Other members of the VDEI Presidium
- Representatives of the VDEI Advisory Board
- A representative from DVV Media Group GmbH
Additional experts from the railway industry, university professors, or instructors may also be appointed.
The jury will review the submitted work by February 28, 2025. The VDEI Presidium will make the final decision on the award by March 31, 2025.
Prizes
Only one award will be given per year. If the submissions do not meet the criteria, there is no obligation to present the award. The VDEI Award includes a cash prize of €3,000. The winner will also receive a certificate and a badge inscribed with "VDEI Award 2025." The Presidium may, upon request from the jury, decide on an increase in the prize money for exceptional (group) achievements.
Publications
With the award, the association acquires the publication rights to the corresponding work. The work may be published in professional journals such as DER EISENBAHNINGENIEUR, Signal + Draht, Eisenbahntechnische Rundschau, the Eisenbahn Ingenieur Kompendium, or on the association's homepage.
Announcement of the Winning Work
The winning work will be announced in the professional journals DER EISENBAHNINGENIEUR, Signal + Draht, VDI-Nachrichten, and in the magazine of the German University Association Forschung und Lehre.
Dr.-Ing. Joachim Warlitz, VDEI Vice President, President of VDEI Academy