This award acknowledges outstanding projects and the individuals responsible for these at organizations working to improve healthcare in countries with limited resources. Endowed with €250,000, this year’s award will honor projects in the field of “people with disabilities.”
People with disabilities have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that, in interaction with other barriers, may hinder their full, effective, and equal participation in society. People with disabilities face a wide range of challenges. These are often physical in nature, but also social and work-related. Many must battle stigma and prejudice, which all too often ultimately lead to a life of isolation.
The nominated project should be cost-effective and integrated into the existing healthcare structures so that it can be incorporated into the national healthcare system. It should serve as a model of how people with disabilities could be included in the national healthcare system, whether through health education and awareness-raising or by providing preventive and curative care services. Special consideration will be given to concepts that can be implemented across borders, such as harmonized inclusion guidelines or community-based rehabilitation programs.
Applications are welcome from successful, collaborative projects in politically stable countries listed by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC). In addition to acknowledging the project’s quality and innovative character, the award also celebrates the exceptional achievements and personal commitment of the individual responsible for the project. The nominated project should be implemented by local partners or in close cooperation with them and serve as a model for work in this field.
Please note the application guidelines. The deadline for submitting nominations is March 15, 2026.
The award ceremony will take place in Berlin on October 1, 2026.
Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung (EKFS) – Advancing research. Helping people.
The Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung is a nonprofit foundation that promotes medical research and supports humanitarian projects. To date the foundation has funded around 2,800 projects. With an annual funding volume currently of approximately 60 million euros, it is the largest foundation in Germany supporting medical advancement. For more information, see www.ekfs.de/en.
Press contact:
Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung
Bianka Jerke
Public Relations
Tel.: + 49 6172 8975-24
Email: b.jerke@ekfs.de
Dr. Judith von Heusinger
Medical Development Cooperation
j.heusinger@ekfs.de
+49 (0)6172 8975-17
https://ekfs.de/en/current-topics/call-for-proposals/else-kroner-fresenius-award...
Criteria of this press release:
Journalists, Scientists and scholars, all interested persons
Medicine
transregional, national
Contests / awards
English

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