Science Awards of the State of Lower Austria

Since 1964, the State of Lower Austria has annually awarded two distinct science prizes to highlight excellent research achievements with a regional focus. The Recognition Award honors established researchers for their outstanding overall body of work, while the Appreciation Award specifically recognizes early-career scientists who are already professionally acknowledged but have not yet completed a comprehensive body of work. The award is presented in the form of a financial honorarium and provides a valuable platform for networking and visibility within the scientific community. Through continuous calls for applications, outstanding contributions to the scientific independence of Lower Austria are sustainably promoted, emphasizing their significance for research and innovation.

Eligible candidates include individuals and educational institutions with verifiable ties to Lower Austria—whether through residence, institutional location, scientific activity, or education. Evaluation criteria are based on the overall scientific work or achievements to date, the degree of innovation, and professional recognition within the community. Submissions can be made at any time, with formal requirements limited to documented regional affiliation and proof of scientific quality. The transparent awarding process is conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Lower Austrian Cultural Funding Act and is overseen by expert juries. Interested researchers can obtain detailed information on submission deadlines and formal requirements from the Finance Department of the State to optimally prepare their applications and thereby contribute to the further strengthening of Lower Austria’s research landscape.