Connecting Research and Education

The Mariella Schurz Prize has been awarded since 2024 as part of the Houska Prize in honor of the late Secretary General of the B&C Private Foundation. Thanks to her commitment, the prize has gained significant importance in promoting Austria’s top-level research. Her dedication and passion contributed to making the Houska Prize an essential instrument for recognizing and supporting research and science. The prize combines her two heartfelt concerns: education and research. In doing so, it also underlines the two key funding priorities of the B&C Private Foundation.

In cooperation with a selected upper-level class, all nominated projects undergo an additional review and are evaluated by the students acting as a jury. The Mariella Schurz Prize is presented during the festive Houska Prize award ceremony. In addition to the specially designed Houska Prize statue, the award also includes prize money of EUR 10,000.

The involvement of young people not only strengthens the connection to science but also helps deepen their understanding of complex topics and fosters their enthusiasm for research and innovation.