The Copernicus Award is conferred every two years to two researchers, one in Germany and one in Poland, for outstanding achievements in German-Polish research cooperation in all fields of science and the humanities. It is conferred jointly by the DFG and the Foundation for Polish Science (Fundacja na rzecz Nauki Polskiej, FNP). The prize money of € 200,000, which is donated by the DFG and the FNP in equal shares, is divided evenly between the laureates. Award winners may use the prize money for any scientific purpose that is within the scope of the funding programmes of both organizations. The funds should be used to further intensify Polish-German research cooperation. The award is granted on the basis of