"Mission Nobel Prize"

Why millions are now flowing into research

The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) in Klosterneuburg

(Bild: ist.ac.at)

Donations can now be collected and used more easily. And what this has to do with the Nobel Prize ...

World-class basic research is carried out at ISTA - the Institute of Science and Technology Austria - in Klosterneuburg. More than 80 expert groups are active in basic research in the natural and life sciences, mathematics and computer science. More and more private individuals and companies are "honoring" this. For example, the entrepreneur Magdalena Walz bequeathed 25 million euros to the institute and Verbund AG donated more than five million euros for research purposes. Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner: "These are two examples that show that people believe in the work at ISTA."

Klosterneuburg Mayor Christoph Kaufmann, ISTA President Martin Hertzer, Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner and Minister Magnus Brunner

(Bild: NLK Pfeiffer)

"Mission Nobel Prize"
A non-profit package passed by the National Council last year ensures that donations flow quickly. ISTA can now build up foundation capital in line with the international model, which will contribute to long-term research funding. "ISTA aims to raise 100 million euros in donations by 2027. This is a further step in our 'Mission Nobel Prize'. We want to bring a Nobel Prize to Lower Austria in the next two decades. We offer science the best framework conditions for this," explains Mikl-Leitner.

Finance Minister Magnus Brunner added: "Investment in research is crucial for Europe's future viability. We must invest more in research in order to drive competitiveness and innovation."