The Oswald Külpe Prize was created in 2004 in memory of Oswald Külpe and the Würzburg School of Thought Psychology, which he founded. This award honors internationally outstanding scientists who use experimental methods to investigate higher mental processes. The prize was donated by Fritz Strack, a Würzburg professor of social psychology, who initially remained anonymous until the award ceremony in 2013. The foundation's assets totalled 100,000 euros. The prize itself is endowed with 4,000 euros. The Institute of Psychology at the University of Würzburg is responsible for selecting the winners and awarding the prize.

Laureate 2005: Asher Koriat, Haifa
Laureate 2007: Prof. Dr. Richard E. Nisbett, Michigan
Laureate 2009: Prof. Dr. Michael Tomasello, Leipzig
Laureate 2011: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Prinz, Leipzig
Laureate 2013: Prof. Dr. Anke Ehlers, Oxford
Laureate 2015: Prof. Dr. Norbert Schwarz, Los Angeles
Laureate 2017: Prof. Dr. Jan Born, Tübingen
Laureate 2019: Prof. Dr. Paul van den Broek; Leiden
Laureate 2021: Jan De Houwer, Gent