Christof Gattringer new President of the Austrian Science Fund FWF

The FWF Supervisory Board has appointed particle physicist Christof Gattringer of the University of Graz until 2024

Alternative Methods to Animal Testing

The BMBWF is awarding “Alternative Methods to Animal Testing” research grants.

Application period opens on 15 March 2021.

Charitable Foundations Continue their Collaboration with the FWF

They are among Austria’s most highly endowed research awards, and their funding has been provided once again in 2021 by charitable foundations: researchers can now submit project proposals from the fields of cell research, anaesthesia, and the further development of the Internet as part of the new calls of the Herzfelder Foundation, the Weiss Award, and netidee SCIENCE.

More Cross-Boarder Research Funding Opportunities

Together with European research funding organisations the FWF has formed a network called Weave to create extensive opportunities for collaboration on basic research.

New Open Access Guidelines Starting in 2021

Research in a more open, transparent, and collective manner—the Austrian Science Fund FWF has revised its open access guidelines to be aligned with the principles of the international Plan S initiative starting in 2021. Research results will in future be openly available to everyone free of charge.

Project Finder

The project database includes projects approved by the FWF.

FWF programmes

Programmes to strengthen Austria's Science System

scilog - Project of the week

The Body’s Defences Against Coronavirus

An enzyme produced by the human body is the receptor for coronavirus, but its intravenous infusion could have a positive influence on the course of Covid-19 infections, thereby serving as a new treatment option. A research group led by the Viennese physicians Manfred Hecking and Roman Reindl-Schwaighofer has now presented evidence that the body reacts to severe cases of the disease by increasing the concentration of this enzyme. These findings have now been published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and are important news for a recently completed clinical trial.

More information

FWF-Facts

Research disciplines

In 2019

40,2

percent of the funding went to applicants working in the Natural and Technical Sciences category

Research disciplines

In 2019

40,2

percent of the funding went to applicants working in the Natural and Technical Sciences category

Research disciplines

In 2019

23,3

percent of the funding went to applicants working in the Humanities and Social Sciences category

Research disciplines

In 2019

36,5

percent of the funding went to applicants working in the Biology and Medicine category

Research grants

In 2019 projects with a total volume of

237.4

million Euro were approved

Research grants

In 2019

707

projects were approved

Payroll

In 2019

4,176

people worked in projects funded by the FWF (as of Dec. 31, 2019)

Reviews

In 2019 the FWF received

4,632

reviews from international peers

Review countries

In 2019 the FWF received reviews from

different nations

FWF Supports Research into Alternative Methods to Animal Testing with Funding from BMBWF

2021-02-25

Understanding diseases, testing medicines, and producing vaccines—studies on animals are still an indispensable part of medical research. High legal and ethical standards apply in Austria. For instance, animal testing may not be conducted if other validated alternative methods are available. However, the number of these alternatives is limited; therefore, intensive research into alternative methods is required. To speed up the establishment of such alternative methods, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF) is awarding “Alternative Methods to Animal Testing” research grants. Proposals can be submitted to the Austrian Science Fund (FWF).

Future of the National Foundation Uncertain: FWF Must Suspend Funding Programmes

2021-02-17

For several months, Austrian funding organisations, including the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), have been calling attention to the negative consequences resulting from a loss of the National Foundation funding. Despite a parliamentary petition and negotiations on continued funding by the Austrian federal government, the FWF has been forced to take the first appropriate steps. Three funding programmes—the Young Independent Researcher Groups, doc.funds, and #ConnectingMinds—must be suspended to the detriment of outstanding researchers. Two additional programmes— the Special Research Programmes and the Research Groups—must be reduced.

Integrity and Ethics in World-class Research

2021-02-17

Good research is based on critical examination and systematic exploration. The greater the transparency and reproducibility, the greater the trust in research. Integrity and ethics are essential parts of the research process and characteristic features of excellent research in accordance with the highest international standards.

Promising Research Ideas for Austria’s Future

2021-02-16

Cutting-edge research always involves a risk, but if it succeeds, there is a good chance of making an innovation leap. Through the 1,000 Ideas programme, the FWF wishes to further enhance Austria’s innovative power by once again supporting high-risk research. Interest in the programme continues to be high during the second call, with 270 researchers submitting proposals. The new projects will be able to commence in summer.