Wittgenstein Prize
Awarding outstanding scientists from all disciplines with funding of up to €2 million and a funding period of 60 months. Nomination by defined committees and decision through an international peer-review process.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Recognition and long-term support of established leading researchers in the field of basic research, to provide them with the greatest possible freedom and flexibility for international excellence.
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
Funding requirements
- Nomination by authorized persons (rectors, vice-rectors for research, academy president, ISTA president, or previous awardees)
- High international reputation and significant contributions to the research field
- Permanent employment at an Austrian research institution
- Maximum age of 60 years at the end of the nomination deadline
- Primary residence in Austria for at least one year
Documents required for application
- Guidelines and forms for nomination (sent directly to persons eligible to nominate)
Evaluation criteria
- Scientific excellence
- International reputation
- Recommendation by international expert panel based on peer review
Description
The FWF Wittgenstein Award is considered the highest-endowed individual prize for basic research in Austria and honors outstanding scientists from all disciplines. With funding of up to €2 million over a period of 60 months, the award offers maximum freedom and flexibility for one’s own research work at the highest international level. Nominations are made by a defined panel consisting of rectors, vice-rectors for research, representatives of the Academy of Sciences, ISTA, as well as former awardees. An international expert jury makes its decision based on a rigorous peer-review process and recommends the laureates to the board of trustees, after which the scientific award is officially conferred by the responsible minister.
The FWF Wittgenstein Award is aimed at established top researchers with a high international reputation who have had their primary residence in Austria for at least one year and do not exceed the maximum age of 60 years by the nomination deadline. A permanent position at an Austrian research institution is also a prerequisite. This long-term funding is intended to further develop and highlight exceptional research achievements. Currently, submissions are not possible; eligible nominators receive the necessary guidelines and forms directly from the FWF. Detailed deadlines and background information can be found on the official website of the Austrian Science Fund in Vienna.
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