Wilhelm Hartel Prize

The Wilhelm Hartel Prize honors outstanding scholars who conduct impactful research and teaching in the humanities, social sciences, and cultural studies in Austria. With an endowed sum of €15,000, the award recognizes the lifetime achievements in the disciplines represented by the Philosophical-Historical Class of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. The prize is awarded annually and is aimed at individuals with proven scientific excellence and international visibility. Nominations are accepted exclusively on the proposal of members of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, with self-nominations excluded. The next submission deadline for proposed candidates is September 15, 2026, allowing valuable research careers to be duly considered in time.

For a successful nomination, the following documents in PDF format are required: a tabular curriculum vitae with a complete list of publications, a selection of the three most important publications, and a detailed justification. This should outline the scientific career, the impact on the development of the field, and the lasting significance of the research achievements. An international peer-review process conducted by an awarding committee appointed by the Philosophical-Historical Class decides on the conferment. Resubmission of previously nominated candidates is possible twice, to bring exceptional achievements back into consideration. This transparent selection process ensures that only outstanding scientific life achievements are honored.