Austrian Research and Technology Report 2020

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Austrian Research and Technology Report 2020
2.7.3 New initiatives and instruments 2019 and outlook
New instruments and highlights 2019
For the first time in 2019, researchers were able to apply for funding for new, courageous or particularly 
original research ideas as part of the 
1000 Ideas Programme
offered by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF). 
The programme aims to support new and forward-looking topics with high relevance for science and re-
search, even if this requires the “courage to fail”. Over 400 proposals submitted from all scientific disci-
plines provided evidence of the high demand for this new format. The new programme has also expanded 
the circle of those submitting applications for the first time and obviously also appealed to new research 
facilities. The Austrian Science Fund (FWF) is also breaking new ground in the evaluation of project appli-
cations for the 1000 Ideas Programme. The applications are evaluated anonymously and partly randomised 
by an international jury with broad expertise.
With the new 
#ConnectingMinds
programme, the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) is adding a transdisci-
plinary component to its portfolio. The aim is to support joint searches for solutions to complex current 
issues and to promote social engagement and collective learning. The special feature here is the fact that 
stakeholders from civil society are involved from the very beginning. The research questions and objec-
tives of the relevant project are therefore already being developed jointly. The experiences, perspectives 
and proposals of the stakeholders in practice should increase the relevance and ultimately also the knowl-
edge gained. These include representatives of NPOs/NGOs, associations, public administration, compa-
nies, health and educational institutions as well as stakeholders who generally have little to do with sci-
ence and research. Funding is provided for teams that combine scientific and societal knowledge in order 
to meet the upcoming social, technological, ecological and economic challenges. The first call for propos-
als was issued in the spring of 2020. 
International comparison clearly shows the major potential that philanthropy offers for science and 
research. Successful initiatives at universities and research facilities have also instigated a welcome cul-
tural change in Austria in recent years which the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) wishes to further by estab-
lishing the non-profit