Creativity, Perseverance and STEM Talent: Three Winners Honored with the 2026 Sieglinde Vollmer Award 2026-07-31

Great ideas often begin with a simple question: What if…? It is precisely this curiosity, the courage to experiment, and the passion for science and technology that were at the heart of the 2026 Sieglinde Vollmer Award ceremony. With this award, the Sieglinde Vollmer Foundation recognizes young people and initiatives that go far beyond the classroom in their commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), helping to shape the future through creativity, perseverance, and initiative.At the Technology and Service Center of the Vollmer Group in Biberach, Niklas Ruf and Martin Guldan received the Youth Award, while the Initiative Award was presented to the Mathematics Club, a joint initiative of Biberach University of Applied Sciences and regional schools. The awards were presented by Clea Groß, granddaughter of the company's founder Heinrich Vollmer, who also delivered the laudatory speech, together with Tobias Trautmann, Managing Director of the Vollmer Group.

"This year's award winners demonstrate impressively what can be achieved when curiosity meets passion and perseverance," says Tobias Trautmann, Managing Director of the Vollmer Group. "They not only develop remarkable technical solutions but also take responsibility and inspire others to become enthusiastic about science and technology. These are exactly the people the Sieglinde Vollmer Foundation aims to support. Innovation begins where young people have the courage to ask questions, explore new paths, and pursue their ideas with determination."

A Passion for Research and Technology

This year, the Youth Award, endowed with €2,500, was presented to two recipients. 

One of the winners is Niklas Ruf, a graduating student at Gymnasium Ochsenhausen. For several years, he has been actively involved at the Student Research Center, where he develops innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Together with a fellow student, he created a low-cost flood early warning system that first won recognition at Germany's "Jugend forscht" (Youth Research) competition and was later honored with the internationally renowned Stockholm Junior Water Prize. In addition, Niklas regularly participates successfully in national and international competitions, is actively engaged in the field of artificial intelligence, and contributes his expertise as a valued member of his school's technical support team.

The second Youth Award went to Martin Guldan from Wieland-Gymnasium Biberach. Since 2022, he has been an active member of the Student Research Center Biberach's research club, demonstrating exceptional continuity and initiative. His research projects—including the removal of microplastics, an intelligent plant irrigation system, and a test strip for detecting the mushroom toxin amanitin—have earned him multiple awards at the Jugend forscht competition. Beyond his own research, Martin supports younger students, organizes electronics courses, and develops his own hardware and software solutions in his spare time.

Mathematics Club Brings Mathematics to Life

The Initiative Award, endowed with €4,000, was presented to the Mathematics Club, a collaborative initiative between Biberach University of Applied Sciences and regional schools. Through mathematical puzzles, hands-on experiments, and creative challenges, the initiative inspires children and young people to discover the fascinating world of mathematics. Rather than focusing on formulas and theory, the emphasis is on exploration, experimentation, and developing independent approaches to problem-solving.

The jury particularly recognized the Mathematics Club for its lasting contribution to STEM education. The initiative provides an environment in which young people can develop their mathematical abilities, cultivate curiosity, and build confidence in tackling complex challenges.

More Than Recognition of Individual Projects

This year's applications demonstrated the remarkable diversity of STEM engagement beyond regular classroom activities—from environmental engineering and artificial intelligence to electronics and mathematics. The Sieglinde Vollmer Award therefore recognizes not only outstanding individual achievements but also the people behind them: young individuals who pursue research with enthusiasm, develop their own ideas, and break new ground. Equal recognition is given to the teachers, mentors, and supervisors who create the environment in which curiosity and creativity can flourish. They inspire, encourage independent thinking, and accompany young people on their journey.

The Sieglinde Vollmer Foundation extends its sincere thanks to all applicants, nominated initiatives, families, teachers, mentors, and jury members for their commitment. Together, they help foster enthusiasm for mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology, thereby providing valuable inspiration for the future.