Since 2013, the DMG has awarded the Beate Mocek Award in memory of the geochemist and petrologist Beate Mocek (1962–2010). The award supports outstanding early-career female scientists in the field of mineralogy, with a particular focus on petrology and geochemistry.

This year's recipient is Catharina Heckel (Goethe University Frankfurt). The award will support her doctoral research by enabling high-spatial-resolution Fe³⁺ analyses using the flank method with an electron microprobe to determine oxygen fugacity. These analyses will provide a more detailed understanding of the nature of metasomatism associated with the deformation of so-called "cold" sheared peridotites.

In addition to her scientific research, Catharina Heckel is actively committed to promoting gender equality in academia through her role as Deputy Equal Opportunities Officer in her department.