Austrian Private Universities Invite Applications for Brigitte Hamann Awards

The Austrian Private Universities Conference (ÖPUK) has officially opened applications for the inaugural Brigitte Hamann Awards, recognizing exceptional achievements by graduates of private universities in Austria. These new awards serve to highlight the positive impact and contributions of individuals educated at non-state-funded universities across the country.

The Brigitte Hamann Awards, being presented for the first time in 2025, will honor candidates in three distinct categories: Academic Career, Startup Initiatives, and Achievements in Music, Art, or Performing Arts. Each category will see one recipient selected to receive a prize of EUR5,000. The awards are open to both alumni and current students of Austrian private universities.

Applicants are invited to submit their entries until January 20, 2026, through the official website of the ÖPUK. The application process requires candidates to provide documentation of their accomplishments and contributions within the specified categories. The evaluation of submissions will be undertaken by a panel of industry experts and professionals, ensuring a rigorous and transparent selection process. The jury includes prominent figures from the fields of culture, science, business, and academia, representing a diverse cross-section of expertise relevant to the award categories.

The winners in each category will be determined by majority vote of the jury members. The announcement and presentation of the awards are scheduled to take place at a formal gala event on April 9, 2026, in the Wappensaal at Vienna's City Hall. Approximately 200 invited guests from the realms of science, politics, business, culture, and society are expected to attend the ceremony, which will serve as a platform to honor the achievements of Austria's private university graduates and showcase their contributions to the country's academic, creative, and entrepreneurial sectors.

The Brigitte Hamann Awards are named in memory of Brigitte Hamann (1940-2016), a distinguished German-Austrian historian renowned for her scholarly work and the accessible presentation of complex historical topics. The awards aim to reflect her commitment to scientific rigor and societal relevance, values that ÖPUK seeks to promote among graduates of private universities.

By establishing these awards, ÖPUK intends to create greater awareness of the important role that private universities play in Austria's higher education landscape. The initiative also seeks to highlight how graduates and students from these institutions contribute to the advancement of knowledge, innovation, and cultural expression. The awards are positioned as a unifying opportunity to bring together stakeholders from various disciplines and backgrounds in a celebration of outstanding achievement.

Further information on eligibility, submission guidelines, and the award process can be found on the ÖPUK website. For specific inquiries, interested parties are encouraged to contact the ÖPUK administration directly via the contact details provided online.

These awards underline Austria's commitment to fostering excellence in higher education, supporting emerging talent, and recognizing the accomplishments of individuals who drive progress in science, entrepreneurship, and the arts.