# Wittgenstein Award

**Funder:** FWF
**Budget:** €2 million
**Deadline:** 17 September 2026 (23:59 Vienna local time)
**Duration:** 60 months
**Consortium:** No - individual nominee, permanent employment at an Austrian research institution required
**Application:** Nomination by eligible nominators, then decision by Scientific Board based on international jury recommendation
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** AT
**Official call:** https://www.fwf.ac.at/en/funding/portfolio/projects/fwf-wittgenstein-award
**Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Recognizes excellent researchers up to 60 years of age with permanent employment at an Austrian research institution and a center of vital interests in Austria for at least one year. Candidates must be nominated by eligible nominators (rectors, vice-rectors, academy presidents, or previous winners); researchers cannot apply directly.

## Summary

The FWF Wittgenstein Award is a €2 million five-year grant for internationally recognised researchers based at Austrian institutions, awarded annually to 1-2 awardees. Nomination is restricted to university rectors, presidents of ÖAW and ISTA Austria, and previous Wittgenstein winners; candidates must be aged ≤60 and have held their centre of vital interests in Austria for at least one year. This is Austria's premier research award, recognising sustained excellence and independence.

## Who should apply

- Internationally recognised researchers with a strong publication and impact record
- Researchers with permanent employment at an Austrian university or research institute
- Scientists aged 60 or younger at time of nomination
- Nominees whose centre of vital research interests has been in Austria for ≥1 year

## Key dates

- No submissions currently open; next Scientific Board decision in June 2026
- Annual call cycle
- 60-month (five-year) project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Nomination is gatekeeping, only university rectors, ÖAW/ISTA Austria presidents, and prior Wittgenstein winners may nominate; approaching them early with a compelling case for your candidacy is essential.
- The award targets sustained scientific independence and international stature, not novelty or methodological innovation; emphasise your track record of leadership and influence in your field.
- Age cap is 60 at nomination; verify your eligibility window and plan strategically if you are approaching the ceiling.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can nominate candidates for the FWF Wittgenstein Award?

Only rectors or vice-rectors of Austrian universities, presidents of ÖAW and ISTA Austria, and previous Wittgenstein Award winners are authorised to nominate.

### How much does the FWF Wittgenstein Award pay?

€2 million over five years (60 months).

### What is the age limit for the FWF Wittgenstein Award?

Nominees must be aged 60 or younger at the time of nomination.

### How many FWF Wittgenstein Awards are granted each year?

One to two awards are granted per annual cycle.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/fwf-wittgenstein-award-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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