The BEST Award annually honors outstanding thesis works in the fields of chemistry, biology, physics, medicine, and technology. The award is alternately given in Germany and India, acknowledging thesis works from these countries.

In addition to a doctoral prize (certificate and prize money of €1,000), prizes are awarded for completed master's theses (certificate and prize money of €500).

A jury consisting of members of the organizing university (Germany: University of Cologne; India: IIT Madras) selects the winners.

The BEST Foundation supports scientifically outstanding works with high societal relevance, operating within an international research field with multi-, inter-, or transdisciplinary approaches. Eligible for application are all thesis works submitted within the past year.

Applications for the BEST Award are accepted in German or English.