Claude Dornier Award

Inspiring ideas – remarkable achievements – fascinating discoveries

The Award
The Claude Dornier Prize was established in 2010 by the Dornier Aerospace Foundation and the Esther and Silvius Dornier Foundation for Gifted Children to mark the centennial of the beginning of Claude Dornier's career in aircraft design. It was awarded for the first time in March 2012. 

Background
Born in Kempten in 1884, Claude Dornier studied mechanical engineering at Munich's Technical University and developed a passionate interest in aircraft design early on. He began his career as an aircraft design engineer at the Zeppelin works in 1910 and went on to head his own company, which became a major enterprise in the aviation and technology industry. 

Objective
The prize aims to allow young people to experience the working environment of a research institution at first hand and thus encourage them to develop a passion for science and technology and the determination to make new discoveries of their own. It will be awarded to three students each year, who will receive the opportunity to participate in an internship at an internationally renowned research institution or in the research and development department of a technology company.

Recipients
The prize will be awarded to three students at upper secondary school level who have distinguished themselves by displaying:

• Particular interest and aptitude for science and technology
• Unusual curiosity, imagination and a passion for discovery
• The courage to take decisive action and the ability to motivate others to work together towards a common goal 

The Award Ceremony
The prize was presented to the first three recipients at an award ceremony held at the Dornier Museum on March 6, 2012.