Stefan M. Gergely Award

The award recognizes outstanding doctoral theses on research questions relating to biodiversity.

Objective

The award is intended to recognize outstanding research achievements by doctoral students who deal with biodiversity issues in their doctoral theses.

The award recognizes achievements in basic research for the understanding of biodiversity and natural ecosystems at all levels. This includes findings on the origin of biological diversity, the description and systematization of its components as well as the functions and interactions in biotic communities, including their abiotic environment.

The prize is also awarded for application-oriented scientific achievements if they have a connection to Austria and pursue specific goals, such as the preservation of biodiversity or the stability of natural or near-natural ecosystems.

Target Group

Applications are invited from highly qualified doctoral students at a university in Austria who have completed their doctoral studies a maximum of two years before the submission deadline.

Exceptions: In the case of (child) care obligations, illness or disability, this period can be extended by a maximum of one year – appropriate evidence must be provided.

If the doctoral program has not yet been completed by the submission deadline, all reports on the doctoral thesis must be available and submitted.

Selection Process

Review and selection is carried out by an independent jury of experts nominated by the ÖAW based on the comparative assessment of the applications.

Application

Applications can be submitted in German or English.

Application documents as well as the thesis must be submitted for the complete application.

Application documents

1. Curriculum vitae and list of publications
2. Letter of motivation (max. 1 page) incl. justification for the application
3. Reports on the doctoral thesis
4. Abstract of the doctoral thesis (300-500 words)
5. Doctoral thesis (PDF)

Submitting the Documents

Fill out the online form and upload the documents in a total of three PDF files. The size of each file must not exceed 10 MB. Protected files will not be accepted.

Afterwards, you will receive a PDF document with your information by e-mail. Please print this document, sign it, return a scan of the signed form in PDF format in a single file as an attachment to a reply to the email received (click on reply button).

IMPORTANT: The given subject and recipient must not be changed.

Online Form

Processing

Upon receipt of your application, we will check that it is complete and meets the formal criteria and it will then be entered into the database of the Department of Fellowships and Awards.

Once the application has been checked for completeness, the applicant will receive confirmation by email.

At the request of the awarding committee, applicants can be asked to submit a printed copy of the dissertation.