DAAD Prizewinners in MV

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:

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.

DAAD Prizewinner Sati-Noah Jimenez

The cellist and student at the Rostock University of Music and Drama (hmt Rostock), Sati-Noah Jimenez, was awarded the DAAD Prize 2019 for his outstanding artistic achievements and his involvement in community work. Born in Bolivia and raised in Brazil and France, he has gained intercultural experience that has not only influenced his musical style, but also encouraged him to get involved in community work. For example, the cellist contributes towards concerts held at social facilities for free and campaigns against intolerance, right-wing extremism and racism.

DAAD Prizewinner Fatma Bouchareb

Fatma Bouchareb, graduate of the master’s degree course Agricultural Science, received the DAAD Prize 2017 for her commitment and excellent achievements. The Tunisian student’s command of five languages enabled her to collect valuable primary data for her master’s dissertation in Burkina Faso. UAS Neubrandenburg is proud of its representative, who held a presentation at the “Rural Future Lab” on the topic of “Rural Youths at the Forefront” – Visions for the Future of Rural Regions, which led to an invitation to the G20 Summit in July 2017.

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.

DAAD Prizewinner Omar Alroumi

Omar Alroumi was awarded the DAAD Prize for his excellent study achievements and his voluntary community work. He fled from Syria in 2015 and came to Stralsund. He started his master’s degree course in Mechanical Engineering at UAS Stralsund in March 2017. Regarding his community work: Omar started off working for the Diakonie as a voluntary interpreter and now helps other asylum seekers to find their way in Germany as he has experienced the challenges and difficulties at first hand.