FWF Wittgenstein Award

Target group

The funding program is aimed at outstanding researchers from all disciplines.

Funding goals

The program provides both recognition and support to excellent researchers (up to 60 years of age) who have already produced exceptional work and who occupy a prominent place in the international scientific community. The award-wining researchers are guaranteed the maximum possible level of freedom and flexibility for their research, resulting in exceptional increases in productivity and scientific output. As the most highly endowed funding award in Austria, the FWF Wittgenstein Award is highly visible to the public.

Funding period and funding amount

• 60 months
• €1.9 million

Prerequisites

• Candidates are named by a select group of nominators (see “Application information")
• Nominees:
  • High international reputation and significant contributions to the development of their field of research
  • Permanent employment at an Austrian research institution
  • At the time of nomination (= end of nomination period) not over 60 years of age; center of vital interests in Austria for at least one year

Approval

• Decision by the Scientific Board based on recommendation of an international Jury in June 2025; recommendations are made on the basis of international peer review
• Awarded by the Minister of Education, Science and Research

Application information

• The guidelines and forms for nominating researchers for the FWF Wittgenstein Award are sent directly to eligible nominators.
• Eligible nominators:
  • Rectors and Vice-Rectors for Research at Austrian universities
  • President of the Austrian Academy of Sciences
  • President of the Institute of Science and Technology (ISTA) Austria
  • All previous FWF Wittgenstein Award winners

Number of eligible projects

1–2 FWF Wittgenstein Awards

Funding institution

Austrian Science Fund (FWF)