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DMEA sparks Award
Recognition for Innovative Theses in Digital Health
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DMEA sparks Award
The DMEA sparks Award raises the profile of scientific research. It honors outstanding bachelor’s and master’s theses in medical informatics, health economics, and the digital health sector. The award focuses on theses that stand out for their innovative approaches and clear practical relevance.
Have you successfully completed your degree, and does your thesis have real potential for the healthcare sector? Then use this award as a springboard! If your research in the fields of e-health, health IT, or healthcare management is breaking new ground, it belongs at the DMEA. Present your findings to an audience of experts in the finals and, as you launch your career, build valuable connections with the industry’s leading minds and employers.
Why it's worth participating
- Pure visibility: Present your thesis and research findings directly to a large audience of experts at Europe’s leading digital health event
- The perfect career platform: Build connections that will shape your future. Meet decision-makers from the fields of healthcare, IT, medicine, and nursing on equal footing
- Your pitch at the DMEA: As a finalist, you’ll take the coveted DMEA stage and have the chance to impress the industry with your live presentation
- Attractive prize money: A total prize pool of 7,000 EUR awaits the best scientific projects and the audience favorite
Your Path to the DMEA sparks Award 2027
Open Call for Papers:
Submission Period: November 11, 2026, through January 17, 2027
Evaluation Period:
February 2027: The expert jury will review all submissions and nominate the top five entries in each category.
Announcement of the Finalists:
February 24, 2027
Creation of a Short Video by the Finalist:
As a finalist, you’ll creatively showcase your work in a short video. The video will not only be factored into the jury’s final decision but will also automatically be entered into the competition for the Audience Award.
Live Pitches and Awards Ceremony:
At DMEA 2027, April 14, 2027: Now’s the time to shine: Present your work in a compelling short pitch live on the DMEA stage in front of an audience and a panel of expert judges. Immediately afterward, the three best bachelor’s and master’s theses, as well as the Audience Award, will be officially announced.
The Jury
The winners are selected by a distinguished panel of judges composed of experts from academia, research, and industry. The jury evaluates the submitted entries based on their level of innovation, their practical relevance, and their contribution to the sustainable advancement of digital healthcare.
Important documents for your successful participation
Get in touch
Do you have any questions about the DMEA sparks Award or the call for papers?
If so, feel free to contact me:
Doreen Kempa
- DMEA Project Manager
DMEA sparks, DMEA sparks Award, Call for Papers for the DMEA sparks Award, University Network, Stakeholder Program
+49 175 9280501
+49 175 9280501Write an e-mail
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LocationFAQs about the DMEA sparks Award
Who is eligible to participate in the DMEA sparks Award?
Graduates with practice-oriented bachelor’s and master’s theses on the topic of “Digitalization of Healthcare” are eligible to apply. Relevant degree programs include, among others, medical informatics, e-health, health management, health economics, and healthcare management.
The thesis must have been submitted to a university in Germany or abroad after January 31, 2026. The university’s final grade for the thesis is not a prerequisite for submission and may still be pending.
Is there a fee to participate?
Applying for and participating in the competition is free of charge.
How can I apply?
The path to the award goes directly through the submission portal of bvitg Service GmbH. As soon as the application period begins, you’ll find the direct link here. Have you already submitted your information but would like to make some adjustments? No problem: You can easily add to or change your information until the deadline. Please do not send us any documents via email, as they cannot be included in the selection process.
In which languages can the application be submitted?
You can submit your application, including your thesis and abstract, in German or English. You can also choose to present your short video and live pitch at the DMEA in either language.
What documents are required for submission?
Please have the following documents ready for submission:
- Names and contact information for all authors
- Portrait photos of all authors (JPEG, PNG)
- Title of the thesis
- Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis as a PDF
- Abstract, including information on the practical relevance of the thesis
What happens if the documents are incomplete?
Incomplete submissions, including abstracts that are missing, incomplete, or not informative, will not be accepted for review.
Can papers be submitted if parts of them have already been published?
Yes, submissions are still possible in this case.
Is it possible to resubmit final projects from previous years?
Unfortunately, final projects that have already been submitted for the DMEA Young Talent Award or the DMEA sparks Award cannot be resubmitted. They will therefore not be included in the evaluation.
What are the prizes?
The prize money for the categories is structured as follows:
Bachelor's:
First place: EUR 1,500
Second place: EUR 1,000
Third place: EUR 500
Master's:
First place: EUR 2,000
Second place: EUR 1,000
Third place: EUR 500
Audience Award: EUR 500
Restrictions on Bachelor’s and Master’s Theses
All submitted theses will be made available exclusively to the expert jury and the DMEA project team. They will treat the documents as strictly confidential. If you require a special exemption, please send your request to doreen.kempa@bvitg.de by the submission deadline.