Carsten Reinhard, a first-year undergraduate in the School of Biological Sciences, has been awarded First Prize in the annual Federal German Environmental Competition (Bundesumweltwettbewerb, or BUW), organised by the Federal German Ministry of Education and Research.

The Competition, held at the University of Kiel, aims to increase awareness of environmental problems and to enhance creativity, independence and initiative among young people in the environmental sector. Participants deal with an environmental problem, identifying the causes and proposing solutions, and submit an essay. Shortlisted candidates defend their work in front of a jury consisting of high school teachers, professors, experts and industry representatives.

Carsten monitored butterflies in a park and an adjacent railway area in Bremerhaven, Bremen, compiling a profile of the different species which he then used to work out a plan to improve their living conditions. This included the creation of a dry grassland area rich in certain plant species, thinning out a woodland area and changing mowing dates of meadows. He also found sponsors and funding and publicised the work.

He was also awarded an internship placement at a German science institute belonging to the Helmholtz-Association of German Science Centres.