Austrian Society for metallurgy and materials - Roland Mitsche Award

Roland Mitsche Award

You will receive prize money of 2,400 EUR for outstanding achievements in metallography, the study of the structure of metals and materials under the microscope. In exceptional cases, the prize may be shared between two people or awarded to an entire research team. It is awarded jointly by three professional associations: the Association of the Austrian Non-Ferrous Metal Industry, ASMET (Austrian Society for Metallurgy and Materials) and the German Society for Materials Science (DGM). The award ceremony takes place every two years as part of a metallography conference, alternating between Leoben in Austria and the DGM conference in Germany.

Who can apply

• Your field: You work in metallography or materials science. The prize rewards one of three things: developing or improving metallographic methods, using them to solve problems in metals science, or training the next generation of metallographers.
• Nationality: Open to all nationalities, although the prize has a strong Austrian-German focus.
• Level: There are no requirements regarding academic qualifications or age. This is intended to recognise a specific achievement; it is not a scholarship for students.
• Where you study or work: Not tied to a specific university or employer.

How to apply

There is no standard application form. A five-member jury selects the winner: two German members appointed by the DGM, and three Austrian members, namely one appointed by the Austrian Metal Industry Association, one by ASMET, and the Head of the Institute of Materials Science and Testing at Montanuniversität Leoben (or their deputy). The decision is final and cannot be contested.

How realistic are your chances?

It is a single, highly specialised award in a narrowly defined field of research, which is presented by a jury only once every two years. It is not won by submitting an application in the conventional sense. Previous laureates have predominantly been professors and seasoned experts with many years’ experience in the field of metallography. Realistically, the award is only within reach of someone who can demonstrate recognised achievements in this very field.