Prize question 2024

The Nobel Prize in Physics has now been awarded to Austrian researchers for two years in a row. Austrian scientists have also been doing very well for years in the competitions for the European Research Council's most highly endowed funding awards. Hence, there is no shortage of international success and recognition for Austrian basic research. But do these accomplishments also lead to the conclusion that Austria is a good research location? Or is it a question of the achievements of individuals who were able to succeed despite poor starting conditions? How could the overall framework conditions for researchers be further improved? And what about funding for basic and applied research in general? The new prize question of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) touches on considerations such as these.

In the tradition of the prize questions of scientific academies, the OeAW wants to know:
 

How does Austria measure up as a research location?

We are looking for texts in the form of an essay with references, subject to a limit of 10,000-15,000 characters (including spaces), that explore the topic succinctly, plausibly and with good readability and make suggestions for improvement. The core statements must be summarised in a short abstract. The competition is open to individuals and groups without restriction. Contributions will be accepted in German or English.

Prizes

The Austrian Academy of Sciences is offering cash prizes for the three best answers to the above question.

1st prize 8.000 Euro
2nd prize 6.000 Euro
3rd prize 2.000 Euro

Submission

Submissions can be made until 1 May 2024.

Please send your submission to preisfrage(at)oeaw.ac.at  by 1 May 2024 at the latest. Further information can be found in the terms and conditions of entry:

Terms & conditions of entry

Call for essays
 

An interdisciplinary committee will select the best answers. The winners will be notified by the end of 2024.

The OeAW is looking forward to your submission!