Vienna University of Technology - Ernst Fehrer award

Dr. Ernst Fehrer Award (TU Wien)

You are receiving the 8,000 EUR as a one-off prize for outstanding technical research with practical applications. The Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) has been awarding the prize every year since 1982. It is funded by the family of the inventor and industrialist Dr Ernst Fehrer. You will receive it in person at an academic ceremony, which is usually attended by the founder’s family.

Who can apply

• Field: You work in the fields of civil engineering, chemistry, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or physics.
• Type of work: Entries may be design-oriented, experimental or theoretical, but must have a clear practical benefit. Works that have already been fully completed and finalised will not be considered.
• Link to TU Wien: You studied at TU Wien or are currently working there.
• Age: You are under 35 when you submit. Documented parental leave or career breaks to raise children can push this limit up by up to 5 years.
• Nationality: Open to all nationalities.

How to apply

You cannot apply yourself. A professor from your department will put you forward to the Dean. If there are several candidates within a department, the Dean will first select one. The selected thesis will be forwarded to the Vice-Rector’s Office for Research by the deadline, approximately on 23 September. A committee comprising deans and the Vice-Rector will then make a decision, and the Rector’s Office will confirm the winner.

How realistic are your chances?

It is a single prize awarded annually, covering five specialist fields; the field is therefore small but highly competitive. You need to be nominated by a professor. If your research has clear practical applications and a professor supports it, your prospects are good. However, as only one person wins each year, the bar is set high.