Presentation of the ABC/J Research Awards 2025

On June 27, 2025, the ABC/J Research Awards for Early Career Scientists were presented for the 15th time at the University of Cologne. During a festive ceremony, outstanding doctoral and research work in the field of geosciences carried out at the member institutes of the Geoverbund ABC/J were honored.

Special thanks go to Prof. Dr. Ines Neundorf, Vice-Rector of the University of Cologne, who set the tone for the ceremony with her welcoming address. We were also delighted to welcome Prof. Dr. Werner Reinartz as a guest.

The event was hosted by Prof. Dr. Lothar Schrott, Scientific Director of the Geoverbund ABC/J and Professor at the University of Bonn.

The 2025 award winners at a glance:

🏆 1st place

Dr. Denise Degen (RWTH Aachen University, CG3)
“Application of the reduced basis method in geophysical simulations: concepts, implementation, advantages, and limitations”
→ Laudatory speech: Prof. Florian Wellmann (RWTH Aachen University)

🥈 2nd place

Joost Hase (University of Bonn, Institute of Geosciences)
“Model inference and uncertainty quantification in complex resistivity imaging”
→ Laudatory speech: Prof. Dr. Lothar Schrott (University of Bonn), representing Prof. Andreas Kemna (University of Bonn)

🥉 3rd place

Dr. Maria Grohmann (RWTH Aachen University, Neotectonics and Geohazards)
“Application of Elastic Reverse Time Migration to Ultrasonic Echo Data in Civil Engineering”
→ Laudatory speech: PD Dr. Ernst Niederleithinger (BAM)

The very personal laudatory speeches by the supervisors paid special tribute to the scientific achievements of the award winners and gave the event a personal touch.

We congratulate all award winners on their impressive achievements and thank all guests for the thoroughly successful event.

The award ceremony took place in beautiful weather and provided a wonderful opportunity to talk to members of Geoverbund ABC/J, make new contacts, and strengthen the bonds within the network.

We are already looking forward to the next round!

Picture gallery

(to see all pictures, please click on the tabs below the picture).