The Young Researchers’ Competition has been organized by the DOG Advisory Board for many years and is a regular feature of the annual conferences. It offers students a valuable opportunity to present their research to a large audience of experts for the first time and to measure themselves against other early-career researchers. The presentations are evaluated by a jury based on various criteria, including adherence to the allotted time, a clear outline and structure, the quality of the presentation, and the ability to engage in discussion.

Young Researchers Competition at the DOG Annual Conference in Erfurt: Award Winners and Jury Members. From left to right: Angela Schmitz-Ornés (jury), Jens Hering (jury), Phyllis von Sauken (1st place), Filiz Kück (3rd place), Anja Lozza (3rd place), Dirk Tolkmitt (spokesperson for the advisory board).

At the 2025 annual conference in Erfurt, the following papers were honored during the social evening:

1st Place

Phyllis von Saucken (Göttingen)
Age-Related Differences in the Behavior of Coal Tits When Handling Cones

2nd Place

Maria R. Rieger et al. (Rottenburg)
Tracking spatial use: optimized tracking of bird movements using automated radio telemetry

3rd Place

Filiz Kück et al. (Büsum)
Habitat selection by barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) in the coastal zone of the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea

3rd Place

Anja Lozza et al. (Sempach)
The influence of environmental conditions on the social behavior of a high-altitude mountain bird

In addition to their certificates, all award winners received a voucher for a one-year free membership in the DOG or for participation in one of the upcoming annual conferences.

Jury
: Angela Schmitz-Ornés, Martin Grüebler, Jens Hering, Jan Engler, Petr Procházka, and Sebastian Dirren