Associate Professor Dr. Erna Nairz-Wirth from the Education Sciences Group was awarded the Anton Benya Foundation Prize for her comprehensive basic and applied research on the topics of education and inequality, educational careers, dropouts, and educational and career orientation. Her research was recognized as a "fundamental contribution to achieving the goals of education up to the age of 18 and leading all young people to a school or vocational qualification".

The aim of the Anton Benya Foundation Fund (founded in 1972) is to "raise awareness of the great importance of skilled work, especially manual work. The award recognizes exceptional professional achievements by apprentices or skilled workers, services to the training of future skilled workers, and scientific research that promotes the social prestige of skilled work". (cf. press release from ÖGB Communication)

See also the following links to the ÖGB's Anton Benya Prize:

• Press release

• Anton Benya Foundation Prize