According to Drs. Vanessa Prigge, Elisabeth Fischer and Nazaire Houssou proud recipients of this year’s Josef G. Knoll European Science Award, being recognized for ones hard work is the best way of boosting confidence in young scientist. This they reiterated encourages innovation and creativity in young people to pursue careers in research. In commenting on her work, Implementation and Optimization of the Double Haploid Technology for Tropical Maize (Zea mays L.) Breeding Programs, Dr. Vanessa Prigge noted that testing different methodologies in order to adopt the right one can be one of the most stressful aspects of pursuing a PhD if one aspires to achieve excellence. She was however, excited and overwhelm by the impact her work has had on the communities that have adopted her methods. Dr. Elisabeth Fischer who worked on “Determinants and Impact of Smallholder Collective Action in Kenya” also recounted that the challenging part of a PhD is the result as this is the unknown and the reason behind the work in the first place. As per her experience, Research requires perseverance. On the part of Dr. Nazaire Houssou, thinking about the impact of your work is a major pusher to strive for excellent result. He worked on “Operational Poverty Targeting by Proxy Means Tests Models and Policy Simulations for Malawi". These intellectuals are now working in both the private and public sectors to ensure that their work benefits a wider group for the benefit of society.