Friends of Mittweida University of Applied Sciences e. V.

The Friends of Mittweida University of Applied Sciences is a charitable association committed to fulfilling the objectives set out in its articles of association. These include:

• Strengthening the sense of community and belonging amongst all students, teaching staff, friends and supporters of Mittweida University of Applied Sciences
• Promoting science and research, education and training, as well as art and culture, in particular the awarding of the Carl-Georg-Weitzel Prize to students and graduates for outstanding academic achievements
• Presenting the history of the institution, honouring distinguished individuals and preserving historical artefacts.

We want to ensure that Mittweida University of Applied Sciences continues to send out into the world young people who are well educated and prepared, above all, for the practical demands of professional life. We, the Förderkreis Hochschule Mittweida e. V., are committed to fostering a sense of community amongst former Mittweida students, lecturers and friends of our institution, and to supporting the next generation of academics. Would you like to support us in this? Then become a member of our association!

If you would like to become a member of the Förderkreis Hochschule Mittweida e. V. and use your vote at the general meeting to decide which projects we support, please submit your membership application to the secretariat. You can also support the work of the Förderkreis Hochschule Mittweida e. V. through a donation, regardless of whether you are a member.

We welcome every new member and every contribution!

In accordance with its articles of association, the Friends of Mittweida University of Applied Sciences supports projects at the university with a financial contribution, provided that the project’s objectives are consistent with those of the Friends of Mittweida University of Applied Sciences.

To apply for funding, an informal application should be sent to the Friends’ Executive Director, including the following information:

• Name of the project
• Description of the project
• Amount of funding requested
• Organisational structure of the project
• Number of expected visitors [of whom university students]
• Brief explanation of why the Friends’ Association should provide support

The Managing Director is also available to answer any queries.

Since 1993, the Förderkreis Hochschule Mittweida e. V. has awarded the Carl-Georg-Weitzel Prize annually. The prize is awarded to graduates from all faculties at Mittweida University who, in a completed academic dissertation, have made a particularly innovative, exemplary, exceptional and practice-oriented contribution, and who are under the age of 30. The thesis submitted must not have received any other award. Nominations may be submitted in writing by university lecturers and research staff.

The ‘Carl-Georg-Weitzel Prize’ includes, amongst other things, a cash prize of 1,000 euros. It may also be shared. To select the winner or winners, the Förderkreis Hochschule Mittweida e. V. appoints a jury to assess the submitted nominations. The prize is usually presented annually as part of the graduation ceremony.

Applications may be submitted in writing by university lecturers and research staff by 12 June 2026 to the office of the Förderkreis Hochschule Mittweida e. V., Technikumplatz 17, Mittweida.

The application must consist of the following documents: 

• A written piece of work by the candidate, accompanied by a signed declaration of originality. 
• A digital copy of the paper (Word or PDF file).
• Signed first and second reviews, whereby the following criteria should be taken into account in the assessment:
  • Innovative: Demonstration of new findings or principles, including through the combination of known approaches and solutions. What is new and to what extent?
  • Exemplary: The general validity of the approach and its transferability to other problems.
  • Exceptional: Approaches that are not immediately obvious, that represent something special, and which were not anticipated in this form.
  • Practical: A solution that is workable and clear. One that meets current requirements and is of great significance in the present situation.

The Executive Board is the governing body of the Förderkreis Hochschule Mittweida e. V. It decides on all matters concerning the Förderkreis and is responsible for awarding loans and grants. The Executive Board is elected every two years at the General Meeting. The current Executive Board has been in office since 2023.

The Advisory Board acts in an advisory capacity to the Executive Board. New members of the Advisory Board are proposed to the Executive Board by the Advisory Board’s spokesperson. All members of the Advisory Board serve in a voluntary capacity.