Wednesday, 11 February 2026

Award for female researchers: University of Graz impresses at the SPIRIT Award

Three people stand side by side in festive clothing, holding large, round trophies up to the camera. Each trophy shows a stylized, dancing figure in copper color against a dark background. The people are wearing suits and a polka-dot dress; the clothing is in shades of red, blue, and black. In the background, there is a screen with the word “spirit” and a magazine or presentation graphic. The scene looks like an award ceremony in an indoor setting.

The winners of the WOMEN in SCIENCE Award: Raquel Gonzales de Vega, Anna Galler, and Anja Haase. Photo: Spirit of Styria/Wolf/Fuchs

On February 10, 2026, the SPIRIT Award for WOMEN in SCIENCE was presented for the second time—an award for outstanding female researchers in Styria. The winners, including Raquel Gonzalez de Vega from the University of Graz, impressed with innovative projects ranging from the detection of microplastics to revolutionary blood diagnostics.

Magical “Marie” moments and an unforgettable evening dedicated to Styrian female researchers. On February 10, the “SPIRIT Award for WOMEN in SCIENCE” was presented for the second time for outstanding research achievements by women in Styria. In front of over 200 guests, the winners were presented with the “Marie” trophy – named after Marie Curie.

The prizes were awarded in three categories: “Basic Research Junior & Senior,” “Applied Research Junior Scientist,” and “Applied Research Senior Scientist.” Raquel Gonzalez de Vega, a chemist at the University of Graz, took first place in the “Applied Research Junior Scientist” category. First place in the field of basic research went to TU Graz researcher Anna Galler, and the prize for “Applied Research Senior” was awarded to Anja Haase from Joanneum Research.

The diversity of the award-winning research topics was impressive: Galler is researching 2D quantum materials as the basis for a new generation of semiconductors. Gonzales de Vega developed a new method for detecting micro- and nanoplastic particles. And Haase is working on the development of innovative blood diagnostics (lab-on-a-chip) that can detect dangerous viral infections such as Ebola without the need for a laboratory.

The second and third place winners of the evening also received a “Marie”: Marta Nowakowska-Desplantes (Medical University of Graz) and Johanna Irrgeher (Montanuniversität Leoben), Laura Gregorc (Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH) and Nadine Weber (Nadine W., HyCentA Research GmbH), as well as Sandra Schlögl & Elisabeth Rossegger (Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH (PCCL) and Nicole Wermuth (LEC).

A total of 25 female researchers were nominated for the final. No fewer than 100 female researchers from various disciplines and 22 different institutions (universities, universities of applied sciences, research institutions, industry) had submitted entries for the award – a strong sign of Styria's status as a research location.

 

Related news

How Wikipedia and open source are changing the world

From ancient irrigation systems to Wikipedia: common goods have shaped our society for thousands of years. Richard Sturn, professor of economics at the University of Graz, explains why common goods or commons such as open-source software do not work without clear rules and what balance between openness and structure is crucial.

Electricity consumption reduced: University of Graz well on track

This year, the University of Graz has once again received EMAS certification. Since the introduction of this environmental management system in 2016, the seal of approval has been renewed every three years after successful audits. As an EMAS-certified organisation, the university is committed to systematically improving its environmental performance and contributing to sustainable development at all levels. Progress is documented in the annual environmental statement. The statement for 2024 was recently published. Particularly pleasing: electricity consumption was the lowest since EMAS records began.

Four universities, one degree: first certificates awarded in pioneering Arqus consortium

The European University Alliance Arqus has been in existence since 2018, with the University of Graz collaborating with eight partner institutions at various levels. The first joint master's programme began in 2023. Twenty-one graduates recently celebrated their graduation in Graz.

University of Graz study shows: public money for climate adaptation pays off

In order to plug the budget gap, the state is currently pinching pennies. However, when it comes to adapting to climate change, investing helps to save money. This is shown by a recently published study by the Wegener Centre at the University of Graz. "Our analyses show that protective measures more than pay off in the medium term," summarises lead author Eva Preinfalk.