On 19 November 2025, the FIDS Award for Exceptional Engagement by Early Career Female Researchers at FIDS was awarded for the second time. This year's award winner is Melanie A. Kilian (Information Science Group). She was honoured for her exceptional commitment to academic self-administration, especially in her role as FIDS public relations officer.
Information on the award winner
Melanie A. Kilian is a research associate and doctoral candidate in the Information Science Group (Prof Dr Udo Kruschwitz). Her PhD project on information behavior at airports is supervised by PD Dr David Elsweiler.
Since FIDS was founded, she and three other representatives have represented the mid-level faculty on the FIDS faculty board. Melanie A. Kilian is also involved as a public relations officer and in this role realised, among other things, the migration of the central FIDS websites for this year's website relaunch at the University of Regensburg. She was also involved in the development and advertising of the international Master's degree programs at FIDS.
Melanie A. Kilian received the Award for Exceptional Engagement by Early Career Female Researchers at FIDS last year alongside two other award winners.
Information on the award
The award honours exceptional engagement to academic self-administration or teaching that benefits the entire faculty. It is usually awarded once a year. The decision to award the prize is made by a five-member jury consisting of the dean, vice dean, dean of studies, dean of research and the equal opportunities officer for women in science and art at FIDS. The jury is chaired by the Dean of FIDS.
Information on previous award winners
The Award for Exceptional Engagement by Early Career Female Researchers at FIDS has been awarded since 2024. Information on previous award winners can be found in the news article on the award ceremony in 2024 (external link, opens in a new window).