The first applications for the German Human Resources Prize (DPP) 2026 are already in the online inbox – before the official starting signal for this year’s application cycle has even been given. But today the time has come: The application period starts and runs until June 21, 2026. The renowned award, which we as the HR magazine Human Resources Management are presenting for the 35th time this year, is apparently already marked red in the calendar of many HR professionals.
You will find out whether your project has won in November 2026. The best HR concepts will then be honored in six categories at the German Human Resources Summit in Wiesbaden.
The categories for the German Human Resources Prize 2026:
• Training & dual studies
• Company health management & mental health
• Compensation & Benefits
• Leadership & Kultur
• Recruiting & Employer Branding
• Talent & Learning
A jury consisting of HR experts from science and practice as well as specialist editors from human resources management examines the applications. The jury assesses the submitted projects according to the criteria of degree of innovation, conceptual strength and implementation. Three finalists will be selected from the submissions in each category. They create a project video before the jury talks to all the nominated teams. At the award ceremony, the winning project will finally be ceremoniously recognized on a large stage.
The awarding of the German Human Resources Prize is one of the highlights of the German Human Resources Summit (DHRS), which will take place on November 11th and 12th at the RheinMain CongressCenter Wiesbaden. The motto of the DHRS 2026 is “Just be brave – take the lead”. The focus is on the topics of artificial intelligence, performance culture and skill management as well as restructuring and HR transformation. At the HR industry meeting, award winners and nominees, jurors and top-class HR decision-makers and HR experts from all over Germany meet.
Info
Your application for the German Human Resources Prize
Do you have an innovative HR project? Then apply for the renowned HR award! If you submit your documents by May 15th, you will pay an early starter fee of 250 euros, after which it will be 290 euros by the end of the application deadline on June 21st. Further information can be found here.
Christina Petrick-Löhr is responsible for the research and teaching section of the magazine as well as reporting on training and further education. She is also responsible for the editorial planning of various special human resources publications as well as the German Human Resources Prize.
