The “Marwa El-Sherbini Scholarship for Open-mindedness and Tolerance”, the result of a collaboration of the Free State of Saxony and the State Capital Dresden, is awarded in memory of Marwa El-Sherbini. For this purpose, DRESDEN-concept e. V. has set up the Marwa El-Sherbini Foundation. The aim of the scholarship programme is to promote future executives and specialist staff who take on social responsibility, are involved or interested in politics, and who stand up for freedom, democracy and fundamental human rights.

Funding is available for up to two years (typically four semesters) to students enrolled in a master’s program (or equivalent diploma, magister, etc. programs) at a university in Dresden. The scholarship amount is 750 euros per month.

The current scholarship recipient for the funding period from 2025 to 2027 is: Svitlana Kovalchuk

Archimedes formulated the law of the lever in his work “On the Equilibrium of Plane Figures.” He recognized that using a fixed lever allows heavy objects to be moved with less effort. In this sense, the name of the prize emphasizes the unique leverage effect that outstanding science can have in addressing the major global challenges of our time. Scientific achievements with such leverage effect are to be honored.

The prize is endowed with 50,000 euros and is awarded by a distinguished jury comprising representatives from the four major non-university research organizations and the HRK. The jury is chaired by the Chairwoman of the Executive Board of DRESDEN-concept e. V., Prof. Dr. Ursula M. Staudinger.

The current recipient of the award is Prof. Dr. Peter Wasserscheid.