Gesellschaft der Freunde der Veterinärmedizinischen Universität Wien - Companion Animal Award

Companion Animal Award

You get a one-off prize of 4,000 EUR for an outstanding doctoral thesis (dissertation) on practical veterinary questions about small animals or horses. The Society of Friends of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Gesellschaft der Freunde der VUW) gives the award to recognise strong early-career research. It was called the Heimtierpreis until it was renamed in 2022.

Who can apply

• Degree: You wrote a doctoral thesis (dissertation) rated as outstanding.
• University: You completed your doctorate at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (VetMedUni Wien).
• Topic: Your thesis covers small animals (pets) and/or horses, with questions relevant to veterinary practice.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply, as long as you did your doctorate at the VetMedUni Wien.

How to apply

Send your application to the general secretariat of the Society of Friends of the VUW in Vienna by 1 July each year. A commission reviews the entries, and the society's board (Kuratorium) makes the final decision.

How realistic are your chances?

This prize is cut very narrowly. It goes only to outstanding doctoral theses from one university, on small animals or horses, so the pool of eligible candidates is small. It is also not awarded every year, which signals a high bar. If your thesis clearly fits the subject and is top-rated, your prospects are good, but you compete on quality, not quantity.