Private Commitment to Excellence in Research

Through his personal commitment, Mag. Johannes Unger is sending a strong signal in support of promoting early-career researchers at TU Wien. Through the TU Wien Foundation, he is funding a scholarship as part of the NextGen Pioneers Scholarship Program, which is specifically designed to improve the conditions for writing a dissertation. The scholarship is intended for pre-doctoral researchers at TU Wien working in the fields of climate change and resources and is endowed with 18,000 euros.

This commitment creates opportunities for research that combines academic excellence with societal relevance. It supports young talent where new ideas, a focus on solutions, and a sense of responsibility converge—and demonstrates how effectively private funding through the TU Wien Foundation can help shape the future.

Martin Schulz was the first recipient of the scholarship. He impressed the selection committee with his outstanding achievements, entrepreneurial mindset, and strong sense of responsibility toward the challenges of our future. In his dissertation, he is working on the development, optimization, and upscaling of a co-electrolyzer for CO₂ conversion, thereby contributing to sustainable industrial solutions.

The award ceremony took place in the presence of Vice Rector Peter Ertl and Andreas Ridder, Chairman of the TU Wien Foundation. It exemplifies the shared goal of promoting excellence in early-career research and providing impetus for the solutions of tomorrow.