Since 2009, the Hall of Fame der deutschen Forschung has been distinguishing exceptionally successful people from the worlds of academic and industrial research. They are experts who were curious and courageous enough to enter into unknown territory and solve problems of our time. The Hall of Fame is not for rock stars or basketball players, but rather men and women who are making outstanding contributions to the further development of research and securing the future of Germany as a business location. Normally, the laureates of the Hall of Fame der deutschen Forschung have made at least one major contribution that has revolutionized an entire industry or else their work has transformed individual companies into global market leaders.

Inductions into the Hall of Fame der deutschen Forschung are made in accordance with a two-stage selection process.

The first step is to define the scientifically excellent achievements of relevance to the further technological development of the German economy. A Board of Trustees of internationally renowned researchers suggests candidates who have rendered outstanding services to this effect. The presidents of three internationally renowned research organizations are represented on this Board of Trustees.

In a second selection step, an independent jury of top executives from German industry evaluates the utility and commercial potential of the scientist’s life's work. The jury then awards points to determine the researcher who will then be inducted into the Hall of Fame der deutschen Forschung as a laureate.