And how does the drupa Prize support young talents in concrete terms?
Sabine Geldermann: The drupa Prize comes with EUR 6,000 prize money, which flows into the printing costs of the award-winning doctoral theses – in line with drupa’s standing as the global No. 1 trade fair for print technologies. For over 40 years, we have recognised young academics from the Philosophical Faculty at Heinrich-Heine-University in this way. By the way, the awarding of the drupa Prize is decided upon by a body of experts comprising the Rector and Prorector of Heinrich-Heine-University, the Chairman of the drupa committee and the President & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf.
What do you personally appreciate about the drupa Prize?
Sabine Geldermann: It is very enriching for me to encounter such fascinating personalities in this context, who on the basis of their passion for a specific field of research achieve unique accomplishments, act as role models and inspire young people. I also very much enjoy the exchange with the doctoral students. This way, I am always introduced to exciting topics – away from the daily routine of the trade fair.
How does Messe Düsseldorf sponsor the city’s students other than the drupa Prize?
Dr. Christian Plenge: Here, the Förderverein des Fachbereichs Wirtschaftswissenschaften der Hochschule Düsseldorf, FVW (Society of Friends of the Faculty of Business and Economics at Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences) comes into play, which I have chaired since June 2022. For over 40 years now we have been dedicated to the cooperation between business and academia. Jointly with committed companies we support the Faculty of Business and Economics at Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences in particular. For instance, by means of student excursions, guest lectures, academic parties, scholarships and sponsorship awards. Recently, we set up a new, closed LinkedIn group of the FVW through which students can independently make contact with committed companies, thereby gaining faster access to the world of work or finding a partner for their Bachelor’s or Master’s dissertation.