Otto Pregl Foundation for Geo-Technical Basic Research - Otto Pregl Award for Geo-Technical Basic Research

What you get

You receive a one-off prize of 1,000 EUR for an outstanding diploma or master's thesis in geotechnical fundamental research. This is an award for a finished thesis, not a monthly scholarship. The Otto Pregl Foundation gives it out once a year. The foundation is based at the Institute of Geotechnical Engineering at BOKU in Vienna. Geotechnical fundamental research covers topics such as soil models, numerical simulations and experimental techniques, applied to problems like embankments, foundations and tunnels.

Who can apply

• What you submit: A completed diploma or Master’s thesis in the field of fundamental geotechnical research.
• Where you studied: You have written your final thesis at an Austrian university. Final theses from universities outside Austria cannot be submitted.
• Field of study: They are involved in fundamental geotechnical research.
• Nationality, age, gender: Open to everyone. There are no restrictions.

How to apply

Please submit your thesis by 30 September, either by post or email, to the Foundation at the Institute of Geotechnical Engineering at BOKU Vienna. External assessors will evaluate the submitted theses, and the Foundation’s board will decide on the winners. There will be no interview.

How realistic are your chances?

This prize is narrow: only theses in geotechnical fundamental research, completed at an Austrian university, qualify. That keeps the pool of eligible work small. If your thesis clearly fits this specialised field and stands out, your prospects are good. External reviewers judge the academic quality, so a strong, well-researched thesis is what counts.