The Vienna University of Technology awards the Ernst Fehrer award annually to acknowledge the work of a scientist either educated at or active at the University. Specifically, the award recognises achievements in problem solving in the discplines of civil engineering, chemistry, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or physics. The work may be design-based, experimental or theoretical in nature and must demonstrate a high level of practical applicability or usefulness.
Candidates must be under 35 at the time of application. Candidates who exceed the age limit by up to five years but can provide evidence for time taken out of work to raise children may still be considered. In rare cases the prize may be awarded to a body of persons.