Innsbruck: Emperor-Maximilian-Prize unites

One out of many cooperation between the City and University of Innsbruck

(IKM) The City of Innsbruck has long been known for its renowned University and cooperation between the two institutions to achieve common goals – taking place on many different levels. To this end, the City and University of Innsbruck have, for example, joined “EUniverCities” in 2018, a network of multiple European cities, with the aim of strengthening cooperation between the member cities and their local universities.

A further example of such cooperation is the 2019 winning project of the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize, which is endowed with EUR 10.000,-. In this project by the name of "Tailwind - Solidarity with the forgotten corners", Tyroleans between the ages of 17 and 30 are given low-threshold access to professional life within the framework of international social projects, accompanied by social workers and mentors. The aim is to help young people and young adults in their search for professional orientation. The project is supported by the Erasmus+ program "Youth in Action" as well as by the Tyrolean Chamber of Labour. “Tailwind” was initiated in 2006 by the social worker Leo Kaserer, who submitted the successful application for the Emperor-Maximilian-Prize in 2019. In addition to the involvement of Erasmus+, fifty percent of the prize money was used for accompanying scientific research. This long-term research includes investigation on whether the projects have an impact on the participants' further educational pathways, employability and individual life management.

Let’s make a difference

New call onset for 2021! The Emperor-Maximilian-Prize is now once more open for applications of initiatives and projects to its 2021 award. In the light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the new motto "Facing challenges together – for a stronger Europe" has become an essential part of society in the past few months. The Region of the Tyrol and the City of Innsbruck have therefore decided on the thematic focus “Civil society commitment and the contribution of young Europeans in times of crisis”. The winning project will be selected from all submissions by an expert jury in the coming year. One of the major criteria for the prize is the connection to the local and regional level. Submitted projects should be innovative and show possibilities of European cohesion.
Three European elected officials could be won as patrons: Presidents Stefano Bonaccini (Council of European Municipalities and Regions), Anders Knape (Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe) and Apostolos Tzitzikostas (European Committee of the Regions). The award ceremony will take place in autumn 2021. Details on the call for entries are available online at www.emperormaximilianprize.at