Prestigious Mentoring Prize for DZNE Scientist

Berlin (Germany), June 9, 2026. Professor Dietmar Schmitz, a senior researcher at DZNE and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, will receive the “2026 FKNE Mentoring Prize”. This award recognizes his outstanding commitment and contributions to supporting the scientific and personal development of early-career neuroscientists. The Prize is awarded by the FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence, a scholars’ organization committed to advancing world-class neuroscience. The award ceremony will take place during a scientific meeting in Barcelona (Spain) this July.

Nominated by current and former mentees, Professor Schmitz is celebrated for his rigorous scientific guidance, personal commitment to his trainees, and dedication to fostering independence in researchers while maintaining high scientific standards – the FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence writes in its official statement. Mentees describe him as an exceptional mentor who “understands mentorship as the act of empowering students to develop their own scientific voice” and encourages researchers “to think beyond their immediate role and broaden their scientific perspective”. His trainees highlight his constructive feedback, encouragement, and unwavering support for career development, as well as the strong professional and personal relationships he builds based on trust, respect, and empathy. Beyond individual mentorship creating a collaborative, and supportive research environment. Professor Schmitz is also recognized for his efforts to establish sustainable institutional initiatives for support across career stages, including fellowships for female postdoctoral researchers and mentoring programs for new hires. His leadership and commitment to inclusive and solution-oriented mentoring have made him a role model for balancing academic excellence with personal attentiveness and family life. 

The FKNE Mentoring Prize highlights the vital importance of mentorship in shaping scientific careers and strengthening the neuroscience community. Professor Schmitz’s continuous engagement and dedication to empowering future scientific leaders, and clearing the path for the next generation make him a deserving recipient of this