For more than ten years, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has awarded the annual DAAD Prize to international students for outstanding achievements at German universities. This aims to put a face to students from across the globe and provide them with an opportunity to tell their story. The DAAD has set itself the task of advancing the internationalisation of German universities.
A period of stay abroad is a win-win situation for both countries, because the students take a portion of culture, knowledge etc. back to their home countries and they leave their own marks abroad, enriching lectures and seminars and broadening the horizons of every student.
The DAAD Prize recognises excellent academic achievements, as well as community work and intercultural activities. It is sponsored by its namesake, the DAAD. The finalists receive both a certificate and prize money of 1,000 EUR.
We would like to give a face to MV’s prizewinners and tell you their stories:
Devu Mahesan (Photo: Gina Heitmann)
DAAD Prizewinner Devu Mahesan
Devu Mahesan, this year's award winner, is distinguished not only by her remarkable achievements in research, her commitment to teaching and her active social engagement, but also by her interdisciplinary scientific background. As a doctoral student at the University of Greifswald in the field of cognitive psychology, she combines her expertise from the fields of cognitive science and data analytics to research control processes in human behaviour. Her role in planning and organising conferences at the Institute of Psychology is particularly noteworthy. Initiated by Devu Mahesan, the annual doctoral workshop "ADok" took place for the first time in Greifswald in 2023.
Qianmin Deng © Yang Zheng
DAAD Prizewinner Qianmin Mia Deng
The cellist and student at the Rostock University of Music and Drama (hmt Rostock), Qianmin Mia Deng, was awarded the DAAD Prize 2024 for her outstanding artistic achievements and her involvement in community work. "She works passionately to learn more and expand her vision as a cellist and musician," says her professor Natalie Clein of her. "I believe she has an exciting future in the music world, both in Europe and in her home country."
Qianmin Mia Deng was born and raised in China. She has been studying at the HMT Rostock in the class of Professor Natalie Clein since 2019. In 2023, she successfully completed her bachelor's degree and started her master's programme. She is a multiple prizewinner in various competitions and is involved in Yehudi Menuhin Live Music Now. In November 2023, she performed Shostakovich's Cello Concerto as soloist with the University Orchestra.
Prof Dr Leif-Alexander Garbe presents Luisa Fernanda Raiño Salamanca with the DAAD Prize. ©Jens Habeck
DAAD Prizewinner Luisa Fernanda Raiño Salamanca
Prof. Dr. Leif-Alexander Garbe from the University of Neubrandenburg awarded the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) prize to an international student on the Geomatics Master's programme. Luisa Fernanda Raiño Salamanca had impressed the selection committee with her social commitment and outstanding academic achievements. The prize awarded to her is endowed with €1,000.00.
Siddarth Marwaha (Photo: private)
DAAD Prizewinner Siddarth Marwaha
The Indian student, Siddarth Marwaha, is studying for a master’s in Electrical Engineering and was awarded the DAAD Prize 2018 for his excellent study achievements and voluntary community work. The student at the University of Rostock showed a high level of commitment for international students during his work as International Student Advisor. He supervised the Buddy Programme, which supports refugees who were interested in studying in Rostock, and represented the Students' Union (AStA) and the university at numerous events.
Prof. Dr. Michael Koch and Tanya Linaswe Chelsea Magorimbo (Photo: UAS Stralsund)
DAAD Prizewinner Tanya Linaswe Chelsea Magorimbo
Tanya Linaswe Chelsea Magorimbo from Zimbabwe received this year's German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) award. The Bachelor's student on the International Management in the Baltic Sea Region degree programme looked after several international students as part of the University of Stralsund University Buddy Programme and also impressed with her excellent performance, her commitment to the International Event Point and the LEO Club.
