Researchers from all disciplines were invited to submit essays. The best submissions will be published and awarded a total of €16,000.
Whether in molecular biology, climate research, literary studies, or archaeology—virtually every field of science is affected by the rapid developments in artificial intelligence (AI). Models that were still considered experimental just a few years ago have now become indispensable tools. The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) would therefore like to know:
Whether it involves identifying cultural patterns across millions of lines of text, predicting protein folding, or simulating high-resolution climate scenarios—AI detects structures in a matter of moments. But does this technology really provide new insights? Or does it tempt us to underestimate the complexity of scientific questions? At the same time, the need for quality control is growing. AI provides results—but no interpretation. It generates hypotheses—but no theory. And it makes mistakes, often in subtle ways.
OeAW President Heinz Fassmann states: “With this year’s prize question, we are addressing members of the scientific community. No field—whether in the natural sciences or the humanities - today remains untouched by the use of artificial intelligence. We want to understand: What do these changes look like?.”
The OeAW invited researchers from all disciplines to share their perspectives: What does AI mean for the methodology, creativity, and theoretical foundations of your field? What opportunities does it present, and what are its limitations?
The competition was open to individuals and groups; submissions could be written in either German or English. Essays with references, subject to a limit of 10,000–15,000 characters (including spaces) were to be submitted until 30 April 2026.
An interdisciplinary jury selected the best entries, awarding €8,000 for first place, €6,000 for second place, and €2,000 for third place.
With this prize question, the OeAW continues a more than 250-year-old tradition in which academies have sought answers to the pressing challenges of their time.
Submissions were accepted including the completed entry form until 30. April 2026.
Further information can be found in the Terms and Conditions:
The Austrian Academy of Sciences is offering cash prizes for the three best answers to the above question.
1st prize 8.000 Euro
2nd prize 6.000 Euro
3rd prize 2.000 Euro
