In May of 2012, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) called upon young scientists from around the world to apply to its fourth-ever “Green Talents – International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development”. The positive response was overwhelming. The distinguished jury of experts considered over 400 applications from nearly 70 countries before selecting the 25 winners, representing some of the world’s brightest minds from Brazil to Zimbabwe. These young leaders hailing from 20 different countries share a common vision – that of a sustainable future for our planet – and are making innovative, even game-changing contributions to the cause. Through their work they are answering some of the biggest questions of our time: How do we want to live? How can we make value creation sustainable? What environment do we want to live in?

The Talents were also in Germany to take part in the FONA Forum (9^th BMBF Forum for Sustainability) in Berlin, one of the world's top events in the area of sustainability research. On the morning of October 23 Federal Minister Dr Annette Schavan, the patron of the Green Talents programme, conducted this year’s awards ceremony. As part of the FONA Forum and in celebration of the Science Year 2012 “Project Earth” initiative, all 55 Green Talents winners from past years have also been invited to attend the first Green Talents alumni event.