The BMW Group Award for Intercultural Learning was for the first time divided into two categories, Theory and Practice, in 2004.

The Theory category replaces the former BMW Group Award for Research inthe Field of Intercultural Learning, while the Practice categorycorresponds to the original BMW Group Award for Intercultural Learning.

The conditions of entry and the competition rules have not changed in either case.

The following rules apply to entries in the two categories:
In the Theory category, we accept scientific papers that
-     are closely aligned to the basic philosophy of the LIFE concept and
-     demonstrate a new approach to the advancement of intercultural learning.
    
In the Practice category, the submitted project must:
-     implement key aspects of the LIFE concept;
-     be innovative, creative and readily transferable;
-     encourage independent, cross-disciplinarylearning, and demand active involvement that encourages the youngstersto develop their creative skills;
-     provide stimulus for further learning and application in other contexts;
-     include an outreach element to allow integrationin the social environment, and be illustrated by convincing argumentsand clear documentation (on paper, video, CD-ROM or audio tape).

Eligible applicants.
In the Theory category, we welcome papers submitted by academicresearchers (including those of the younger generation) in anydiscipline, which demonstrate a new approach to the advancement ofintercultural learning and, moreover, are closely aligned to the basicphilosophy of the LIFE concept.

In the Practice category, we are looking for examples of projects topromote intercultural learning that have been realised in schools ornursery schools, as part of a parents' or neighbourhood initiative, orin any public social establishment.

Application documents.
The full set of documentation required for entries submitted in the Theory category comprises:
-     the fully completed application form
-     your research paper or scientific publication
-     a brief CV
-     two confidential letters of recommendation by academic peers (in sealed envelopes)
    
For entries in the Practice category we require:
-     the fully completed application form
-     your project documentation
    

Download Application form, PDF file (781 KB).

Competition rules.
A summary of the applicable rules can be found in the section entitledCategories. We regret that purely commercial publications will not beaccepted.

Form of presentation.
You can send in project proposals in German or English. We have noparticular preferences concerning the form of presentation. You cansubmit your work on paper, video, CD-ROM or audio tape - the importantpoint is that you should choose the form of presentation thatillustrates your project to its best advantage.

Closing date & address for entries.
Please send your application documents to the following address by October 20, 2005 (date of postmark):

BMW Group
Corporate Communications
AK-4
D-80788 Munich
Germany

Prizes
Prizes will be awarded to the candidates who submit the best entriesand be presented during the official award ceremony in Munich.

-     The winner of the first prize in the Practice category will receive euro 5,000.
-     The second-placed entry will receive a prize of euro 1,500 and
-     the third winning entry will be rewarded with euro 1,000.
    
The winner in the Theory category will receive a prize of euro 5,000.

Jury
The prize-winning entries are selected from among the submittedprojects and papers by an international jury composed ofrepresentatives of science, research and educational practice:
-     Petra Hölscher, Chair of the jury
State Institute for School Assessment and Educational Research / Munich (ISB)
-     Dr. Josef Gerighausen
Director of the Goethe Institute in Lima (Peru), Genoa (Italy) and Nancy (France)
-     Prof. Dr. Hans Hunfeld
Catholic University of Eichstätt
-     Dr. Peter Igl
State Institute for School Assessment and Educational Research / Munich(ISB)
-     Dr. Ivanka Kamburova
Teacher Training Institute in Varna / University of Shumen (Bulgaria)
-     Prof. Dr. Friedrich Kratochwil
European University, Florence (Italy)
-     Dr. Peter Meinel
Director of the State Institute for School Assessment and Educational Research / Munich (ISB)
-     Herta Oresic
University of Maribor (Slovenia)
-     Prof. Dr. Arturo Tosi
Royal Holloway University of London (England)
-     Konstanze Carreras
Head of Social Policy, Group communications and policy, BMW Group
    
The jury will base its assessment on the following criteria:
-     Orientation on key aspects of the LIFE concept
-     Degree of innovation, creativity and practical relevance
-     Encouragement of independent, cross-disciplinary learning
-     Promotion of creative learning skills and active participation
-     Stimulus to further learning and application in other contexts
-     Integration in the social context

Reference:
The BMW Group Award for Intercultural Learning Competition 2005