Austrian Federal Ministry of Science and Research - Gabriele Possanner Promotion Award Promoting Gender Democracy

Gabriele Possanner Promotion Award

For an outstanding thesis or research study in the field of gender studies, you will receive a one-off prize of 12,000 EUR. Two prizes are awarded per cycle. The prize is funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research and is awarded every two years. The decision is made by the Minister on the recommendation of an international jury of experts. The prize recognises work that advances gender studies and gender democracy in Austria, and is aimed at young researchers at the start of their academic careers.

Who can apply

• What you submit: A completed doctoral thesis (dissertation), diploma thesis, master’s thesis or research paper. A habilitation (a qualification obtained after a doctorate) does not count towards this.
• Topic: Your work contributes to gender studies and gender democracy in Austria, ideally in an interdisciplinary manner.
• Field of study: Every academic discipline, including the social sciences, law, economics, theology, and linguistics and cultural studies.
• Career stage: You are still at the start of your academic career.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. The key criterion is that your work contributes to gender studies in Austria.

How to apply

You should submit your own work by email to the Ministry’s Department for Equality and Diversity Management. A nomination is not required. Please enclose an expert assessment of your work. An international jury will propose the prize winners.

How realistic are your chances?

The subject area is narrowly defined. Your work must focus exclusively on gender studies with a connection to Austria, meaning that only a small selection of doctoral theses and studies are eligible per cycle. As two prizes are awarded per round, a compelling, well-reviewed piece of work on this topic has a genuine chance of success. As the prize is awarded only every two years, you should keep an eye out for the next call for applications and submit your application without delay.