The Claas Foundation has announced it is to expand its support for young engineers to mark what would have been Helmut Claas' 100th birthday in July.

Founded by Helmut Claas in 1999 with the specific aim of recognising and supporting young agricultural engineers and supporting international research projects at higher education institutions, the Foundation also works to promote initiatives in schools designed to inspire pupils enthusiasm for science and technology.

To mark what would have been Helmut Claas' 100th birthday, the Foundation has instigated two initiatives to support young talent.

Firstly the funding for the international Helmut Claas Scholarship, which supports students in producing outstanding bachelor's theses in the field of agricultural engineering, has been increased with the first place award now 10,000 Euros, up from 7,500 Euros.

Secondly the scholarship is to be expanded with a new Helmut Claas Scholarship being launched for students in the USA, where the Foundation will work in cooperation with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which is one of the leading universities for agricultural engineering in the USA.

In making this announcement the Foundation quoted its founder, Helmut Class, who said, "Agricultural technology needs the best minds in the world - and the best minds in the world need an opportunity. Supporting the next generation is not a luxury; it is our responsibility towards the future of agriculture."