With the Horst Gräfer Prize, the Paderborn University Association, the Heidloff Family Foundation and the SolarKapital Foundation are once again this year honouring exceptional individuals who pursue their dreams despite all adversity.
Prof. Dr Horst Gräfer was a junior professor and professor at Paderborn University from 1972 to 2005 and was particularly distinguished by his unconventional life story. Coming from a rather modest background, Gräfer first completed a commercial apprenticeship in industry and only subsequently obtained his general university entrance qualification. After completing his degree, he initially worked in financial control and then decided to go on to do a PhD.
Following Horst Gräfer’s death in 2022, the Paderborner Hochschulkreis e. V. (PHK) has made it its mission to honour the legacy of Horst Gräfer. As part of the Horst Gräfer Prize, one person is honoured each year who has followed a similarly unconventional path in life, just as Horst Gräfer did in his time.
The prize, worth 5,000 euros, is aimed at anyone who does not lose sight of their goals despite challenges – whether they are a school pupil, a student, or already in full-time employment. The aim is to support people who, through their determination, motivate others and demonstrate that unconventional paths can lead to success. The prize is sponsored by the Heidloff Family Foundation and the SolarKapital Foundation.
The deadline for applications is 31 July 2026. Informal applications, including a cover letter, CV and, where applicable, letters of recommendation, should be sent by email to the Paderborner Hochschulkreis e.V. (phk@mail.uni-paderborn.de).
