In addition to the existing funding programs for women in research – the Dr. Maria Schaumayer Habilitation Grant and the Dr. Maria Schaumayer Foundation – two further programs have been added thanks to the generous bequest granted to WU by the renowned Austrian economist and politician, designed to support the career advancement of women researchers.

Support for research stays abroad

The Dr. Maria Schaumayer Internationalization Program is available to qualified female researchers at WU and helps finance long-term research stays abroad. The program is aimed at PhD candidates who are already well into or have completed their doctoral theses. The objective is to support young female researchers in their efforts to enter into an academic career by facilitating their integration into the international scientific community.

Support for women returning to work

A special Dr. Maria Schaumayer grant is available to women who have interrupted their academic careers to care for children or other family members. The grant can be used to finance work on new or previously started scientific publications or applications for research funding. External coaching is also available to grant recipients.

Further steps for the advancement of women

Women continue to be underrepresented in top university positions, even though the number of female students and qualified female university graduates has risen steadily in recent years. Therefore, WU considers the advancement of women one of its most important tasks. With the habilitation grants for women, the career program for female WU researchers, and Women in Research, WU has launched a number of initiatives to advance women’s careers in research. Thanks to the bequest of Dr. Maria Schaumayer, we have been able to add two additional programs.