A New Dimension in Research Funding

With the initiative excellent=austria, Austria is opening a new chapter in basic research: Nine Clusters of Excellence with over 1000 participating researchers are conducting cooperative projects on an unprecedented scale at numerous locations throughout Austria. In addition, numerous further researchers are working closely together on collaborative research projects in eleven Emerging Fields consortia on topics with particularly high potential for innovation.

The FWF and the participating research institutions have earmarked an investment volume of almost €260 million for the nine Clusters of Excellence for the first five years (launched in 2023 and 2024) of the planned ten-year term. The eleven Emerging Fields consortia will receive a total of €65 million in funding over a five-year period, which started in 2024.

More collaboration in cutting-edge research

Clusters of Excellence are characterized by a successful combination of cutting-edge research, research-led education, and the advancement of junior researchers, as well as an exchange of knowledge at national and international levels. Hundreds of researchers are being given the opportunity to achieve outstanding collaborative research results in strong, promising fields of research in Austrian basic research. Collaborations with the business community and the public to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer are a key element of the Clusters, which have a funding volume of up to €20 million over a five-year period. The funding can be used to establish long-term structures and attractive research conditions and boost international visibility at the participating institutions.

With Emerging Fields, the FWF is funding highly innovative, cooperative research projects that have the potential to trigger a paradigm shift in their field. Researchers are given the freedom to pursue promising approaches and riskier ideas. The inter-institutional consortia have up to €7 million at their disposal. The funding can be used to create attractive conditions for close cooperation at the participating institutions.

Focus on key issues such as energy, health, and the knowledge crisis

Austria's new Clusters of Excellence are advancing basic research on key topics at the highest scientific level: Energy storage, quantum technologies, microbiome research, the future of knowledge, neurological research, Eurasian cultural heritage, healthy aging, artificial intelligence, and materials research.

The Emerging Fields are advancing basic research on research topics with particular potential for innovation: global security of supply, tumor therapies, evolutionary research, neurological research, mathematics, environmental research, art and design, molecular biology, and behavioral research.