Chamber of Workers and Employees of Upper Austria - AK-Wissenschaftspreis

AK-Wissenschaftspreis of the Chamber of Labour Upper Austria

In Category A, you will receive a share of a total prize pot of 9,000 EUR, which is split amongst up to three winners. A jury decides who receives what. There is also a Category B for Master’s and diploma students: up to nine students will receive up to 1,000 euros as well as three accompanying colloquia (group discussions about your work). One of them will win the Category B prize: publication of their work in the economic and social policy journal WISO. The Upper Austrian Chamber of Labour (AK Oberösterreich) awards this prize once a year for academic work that contributes to improving the working and living conditions of employees.

Who can apply

• What you submit: Category A is intended for doctoral theses (dissertations) and previously published academic articles completed in 2025 or 2026. Category B is intended for Master’s theses and diploma theses.
• Topic: Their work should be in line with the Chamber’s interests, such as fair pay, social security, equal access to the labour market and to education, and a socially just transition to a green economy. The key focus area 2026 is health, ranging from ensuring healthcare provision to artificial intelligence.
• Relevance: Your work must relate to conditions in Austria and be of benefit to the representation of employees’ interests.
• Language: You can write in German or English.
• Nationality and university: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, and you can study anywhere.
• Who cannot apply: Staff at a Chamber of Labour, as well as professors at universities or universities of applied sciences. Work funded by research grants will not be accepted. You may only apply once.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the online form on the Chamber’s website. For Category A, the closing date is 15 June 2026. For Category B, it is 25 November 2025. The final decision will be made by a jury.

How realistic are your chances?

The field is competitive. Your work must address the specific circumstances in Austria and be of benefit to employee representation. In Category A, prize money of 9,000 euros will be shared amongst a maximum of three people. If your thesis or article clearly aligns with the Chamber’s socio-political interests – in particular the focus on 2026 health – and demonstrates practical value, you will not be competing against the general public, but against a small, well-coordinated group.