Researchers from universities and non-university research institutions have been able to submit climate-relevant projects to Austria's largest privately funded research prize since June 2023. Thanks to a private donation to the FWF's alpha+ foundation, 4.5 million euros (2023–2027) are available under the title "Zero Emissions Award" to generate new knowledge for the energy transition.
Target group
The funding offer is aimed at researchers from all disciplines who carry out research in the field of renewable energies and the energy transition.
Funding objectives
Achieving climate neutrality in Austria by 2040 will also depend on new findings from basic research. For this reason, the alpha+ foundation of the Austrian Science Fund FWF is inviting researchers from all disciplines to submit to the new "Zero Emissions Award". The aim is to close knowledge gaps, find groundbreaking approaches and spark innovation. The Zero Emissions Award enables researchers from all scientific disciplines to carry out forward-looking research projects in the field of renewable energies and the energy transition in Austria.
Funding is available in particular for projects that address one of the following aspects:
- Pioneer research/excellent basic research across all scientific disciplines to promote innovation in the field of renewable energies and the energy transition
- Research into the technological framework conditions required for the widespread implementation of the energy transition
- Behavioural research on the use of renewable energies
Further information on the objectives can be found at Zero Emissions Award.
Further offer-specific information
You can submit to the Zero Emissions Award under the following programmes:
Applications submitted under this call are not subject to the limit on the number of ongoing projects.
Funding duration and funding amount
- Funding duration and funding amount depend on the programme.
- The level of general project costs is increased to 15% for stand-alone projects funded by the foundation.
- Projects under the ESPRIT programme receive 10% more budget.
Requirements
The requirements correspond to the specifications for the FWF programmes Stand-alone Projects or ESPRIT, as well as the Supplementary Application Guidelines for this thematic funding.
Awarding
- Decision by the alpha+ foundation based on the recommendation of the FWF Board of Trustees
- 900,000 euros in funding budget annually (from 2023 to 2027) from the foundation; for approved amounts exceeding this figure: FWF funds the difference
- Next award ceremony in June 2026
Information on submitting an application
- Submissions are made via the electronic application portal elane.
- Submissions are made in accordance with the application guidelines for Stand-alone Projects or ESPRIT.
- The relevance of the submitted application to the subject matter of the call must be set out in an additional elane form.
- The Supplementary Application Guidelines summarise additional specifics of the call.
Funding body
alpha+ foundation of the Austrian Science Fund FWF, funded by a donation from American patron Patrick S. Dumont, Austrian Science Fund FWF
