Science is called upon to contribute to ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable development in many ways: by producing research findings and innovations for a future worth living, by engaging in and expanding dialog with society, and by acting sustainably itself. The aim is to think in the longer term and create ecological, social, and economic solutions that will also benefit future generations. Sustainable approaches contribute, for example, to slowing down global warming, reducing the consumption of primary raw materials, and preserving biodiversity. We face many challenges at regional and global levels.
In order to contribute to this development, the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) has anchored sustainability in its values. Its activities cover three areas:
Research on sustainability
Knowledge and innovation are needed to implement effective measures. This is why the FWF offers special subject-specific calls in its funding portfolio in addition to open-topic funding, in which sustainability can be researched in all its dimensions:
- National and international funding priorities on topics such as "AI Green" or European/international funding cooperations such as Water4All, Biodiversa+ or Belmont Forum
- Science fundraising specifically for research projects on sustainability (alpha+ Foundation), including the Zero Emissions Award, Austria’s most highly endowed research award for renewable energy and the energy transition
More sustainable research
The FWF provides incentives that make it easier for researchers to implement their projects as sustainably as possible:
- Sustainable mobility in research projects
- Funding for refurbished or second-hand equipment
- Recommendations for organizing “green” events
More sustainable actions
In its offices, the FWF tries to conserve resources in its daily work as much as possible:
- Sustainable procurement and events (e.g. green events)
- Reducing paper use
- Reducing air travel
- Holding informational events and workshops for employees
- Networking with relevant stakeholders at home and abroad
European Network for Sustainable Research
The Austrian Science Fund (FWF) endorses the “Heidelberg Agreement on Environmental Sustainability in Research Funding” and also collaborated in the drafting of the agreement. With this position paper, numerous scientific organizations, including the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), aim to strengthen the role of ecological sustainability in research funding and to encourage additional cooperation in this area. The “Heidelberg Agreement” can be downloaded here: doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13938809