Heinrich Graf Hardegg'sche Stiftung - Heinrich Graf Hardegg'sche Stiftung

What the Hardegg Foundation funds

You will receive a one-off research grant grant to carry out a research project in the field of law or economics. The foundation pays a one-off lump sum rather than a monthly grant. A fixed amount is not published; the sum will be agreed on a case-by-case basis for your specific project. Funding is primarily awarded to habilitation projects (the qualification required to become a professor in German-speaking countries) and outstanding doctoral theses. Support is also provided for Master’s theses written abroad as part of an LL.M. or similar postgraduate programme, as well as other research projects intended for publication at the same level. Around three out of four grants are awarded to the field of law, and one in four to economics. The Vienna-based Heinrich Graf Hardegg Foundation, which was established in 1893, is funded from its own assets.

Who can apply

• Field of study: Law or economics.
• Your level: You have already obtained a doctoral degree in your field or have been admitted to a doctoral programme. To write a Master’s thesis abroad, admission to a prestigious postgraduate programme abroad (LL.M. or similar) is sufficient.
• Project stage: Your work must still be in the drafting stage. Anything you have already submitted for assessment or publication is considered complete and is not eligible for funding.
• Where you study: Every university. The lecture series take place at the faculties of law and economics at the University of Vienna.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• Clean record: You must not have a criminal record.
• Rights: You agree to transfer the rights of use in your work, which has been funded by grants, to the Foundation.

How to apply

Please submit a project description, your CV, a breakdown of costs (if applicable), and a list of all other funding you have applied for in relation to the same project. For postdoctoral or doctoral theses, please enclose a report from your supervisor setting out the project’s contribution to the relevant field. The application deadline is 30 November. The Foundation’s Board will then select the projects to be funded.

How realistic are your chances?

The selection criteria are very strict. Only researchers in the fields of law and economics who have already obtained a PhD or have been admitted to a PhD programme, whose project is still ongoing, and who have a detailed reference from their supervisor are eligible to apply. This keeps the pool of applicants small, meaning that a suitable candidate with an original project has a genuine chance of success. The biggest hurdle is quality, as the committee bases its decision solely on academic merit.