Prof. Christian Obinger, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, honoured young researchers between the ages of 25 and 40 whose contributions to science communication and the so-called ‘third mission’ – i.e. the interface between science, society and politics – are particularly outstanding.
Award winners and categories
- Thomas Filek (Institute of Zoology)
Category: Ecosystem Management and Biodiversity
Citizen science project: ‘Biodiversity at the Cemetery’ involves the public in researching species diversity in cemeteries in Austria
- Friederike Frieß (Institute for Security and Risk Sciences)
Category: Landscape, Water and Infrastructure
She imparts knowledge about nuclear energy, radioactivity and radiation protection – among other things through her involvement with the Vienna Children's University, as a science ambassador for the OeAD and through media appearances.
Max Pramreiter (Institute for Wood Technology and Renewable Raw Materials)
Category: Sustainable materials and technologies
His specialist podcast ‘The WoodCAST’ brings current issues in wood technology to a broad audience in an understandable way.
- Nicolas Roux (Institute for Social Ecology) and Max Nutz (Institute for Sustainable Economic Development)
Category: Resources and social dynamics
Their scientific activism is evident in the ‘March for Scientific Freedom’ and street lectures at Scientists for Future Austria, which bring scientific findings directly into social/political debates.
Each prize is endowed with 1,000 euros. In addition, the winners receive short video portraits and are interviewed in a podcast.
An independent jury of experts from Austria, Germany and Switzerland evaluated the submissions. The next call for entries is planned for spring 2026.
