Steffen Mau awarded the In_equality Research Award 2026

Steffen Mau has been awarded the In_equality Research Award 2026 for his exceptional contribution to inequality research and his engagement for knowledge transfer. The In_equality Research Award honours outstanding academic achievements that also resonate in societal and political debates. It is assigned by the Cluster of Excellence »The Politics of Inequality« at the University of Constance and is endowed with 20.000 Euro, which can be used for further research.

The selection committee, consisting of the Steering Committee of the In_equality Conference stated in its reasoning:

»With Steffen Mau, we have a winner who makes scientific insights accessible beyond academic contexts. His research not only shapes political debates, but his widely acclaimed books also contribute to a great visibility of social science findings in broader society.«

The award ceremony will take place as a part of the In_equality Conference on 16 April 2026. Around 300 researchers from around the world will participate in the conference, which the Cluster of Excellence is hosting for the third time at the Bodenseeforum in Constance. The program includes 43 interdisciplinary panels on topics such as gender, ethnicity, wealth and educational inequality, language, questions related to the welfare state, and climate change.