What qualifies as a new material or product?

• Novelty: The material or product must be part of an ongoing research project and not yet commercially available.
• Wood Content: It must contain at least 30% (mass-based) wood or wood components (e.g., cellulose, lignin). Bark or other non-wood parts of trees are also eligible, as well as reclaimed (recycled) timber.
• Essential Functionality: The wood-based component must play a key functional role, not just serve as filler.
• Scope: There are no restrictions on scale or form. Eligible innovations can range from wood-based nanomaterials to large timber structures.

What is not eligible?

Materials and products closely related to those from the pulp and paper industries (e.g., tissue products) are not eligible for this prize.

Can I apply if I only have an idea or some preliminary results with limited testing?

No, we are only accepting ongoing research projects. Applicants must be Principal Investigators (PIs) with proven research progress on relevant topics.

What if I'm unsure whether my project is eligible?

If you are uncertain about your project's eligibility, please contact us at contact@evergreen-prize.com before submitting your application.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be natural persons, either the Principal Investigator (PI) of the research project or a researcher involved in the project with the PI's consent. All applicants must have the academic qualifications necessary to effectively and reliably use the prize money. Submissions must include at least one young researcher under 35 years of age who has not completed their doctorate at the time of application.

I have a great idea for a new wood product. Can I apply with just an idea?

No, we are looking to support ongoing research with an established track record.

Does the application need to come from a single research project, or can it be the result of multiple research efforts?

Both options are acceptable.

Does the project implementation need to be part of the original research, or can it be an independent project?

Either is possible. We are open to supporting ongoing projects or independent ones, provided the Principal Investigator (PI) can demonstrate a commitment to follow up on the project over a period of three years.

Can the submission cover multiple potential research topics, or must it focus on just one?

Each submission should focus on one topic. If you have multiple topics to present, please submit separate applications.

Can a person or a research institution submit multiple applications?

Yes. If a Principle Investigator is responsible for several eligible research projects, they may submit multiple applications. It’s also possible for multiple PIs from the same institution to submit different applications.

Are there geographic restrictions?

Yes, we only accept applications from Europe (except Belarus and Russia). The research institution or university where the project is being carried out must be based in Europe, but the PI does not need to be a European citizen.

Why invite two people from each team?

We require two presenters: one senior researcher and one younger researcher (master’s or PhD student under 35 years old). This approach supports the next generation of researchers and allows their voices to be heard. Prize money can also be used to hire a young researcher for a PhD position.

How must the prize money be used?

The prize money must be used to advance the award-winning project or to enable additional research goals. It can cover personnel and non-personnel costs, as long as these expenditures support the project. Before the prize money can be paid out, the organizers will sign a support agreement with the winning's teams institution.

What is the timeline?

• October to December 15, 2024: Application phase.
• January 2025: An international jury of university professors and industry experts will select five finalist teams. Selection criteria include scientific excellence, innovation, team competence, impact potential, and sustainability.
• Early 2025: Certain general information from all eligible applications will be published on our website to create a research map for wood-based materials and products.
• May 26, 2025: Final presentations in Vienna, followed by the announcement of the winner.

Do I need to pay for my trip to Vienna?

No, we will cover travel and accommodation for two members of each finalist team from Sunday, May 25 to Tuesday, May 27.

What if one of the applicants leaves the research project after submission?

If necessary, the young researcher can be replaced, but the Principal Investigator must remain the same. Please contact us in case of any personnel changes.

How will the winner be selected?

The winner will be chosen through a combination of votes from the expert jury (majority) and a minority audience vote. The combined ranking will determine the winner.

When will the winner be announced?

The winner will be announced immediately after the final presentations on May 26, 2025.

Will the prize be distributed among multiple teams?

No, the entire €300,000 prize will be awarded to a single winner.

So if my team doesn't win, it was all for nothing?

Certainly not. Even if you don’t win, presenting in front of a global industry audience is a valuable opportunity to showcase your research to timber business leaders, industry representatives, and potential collaborators. All participants will receive a certificate of participation. And of course the trip to Vienna and the accomodation are free of charge.

How do you handle conflicts of interest within the jury?

Jury members with any personal or professional connections to applicants will recuse themselves from relevant discussions and decisions. Our conflict resolution policy is outlined in the Prize’s Terms and Conditions.

What if I disagree with the jury’s decision?

The jury's decision is final, confidential, and cannot be appealed. A lawyer will oversee the vote counting process to ensure fairness.

When do applications close?

Applications will be accepted until December 15, 2024, at 23:59.

Anything else I should know?

Please review our Terms and Conditions for further details.

(FAQ version: 2. 10. 2024)