The TealHelix project was honoured at the Sustainability Award 2026, Austria’s leading university sustainability prize, during a networking and award ceremony held on June 9 in Vienna’s Marble Hall. The Sustainability Award 2026 ceremony was hosted by Federal Minister Norbert Totschnig and Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner, bringing together representatives from academia, research, policy, and sustainability initiatives across Austria.
Organised by the Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research (BMFWF) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management (BMLUK), the award recognises outstanding university initiatives that contribute to sustainable development through innovative, impactful, and transformative approaches.
This year marked the 10th edition of the Sustainability Award, attracting 133 submissions from Austrian universities and higher education institutions. Twelve projects were selected for award, with four gold and eight silver awards presented across the categories of ‘’Learning’’, ‘’Research’’, ‘’Cooperating’’, and ‘’Embedding’’.
In the “Research” category, the TealHelix project, represented by the project partner University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), stood out for its innovative work on scientifically grounded and transparent sustainability labelling for food products.
The jury highlighted TealHelix’s contribution to addressing a major information gap for consumers by developing innovative approaches that make sustainability information more understandable, accessible, and trustworthy. Through its interdisciplinary and research-driven methodology, TealHelix supports more informed consumer choices while promoting transparency within food systems.
The recognition reflects the project’s broader mission to explore how digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and inclusive design can contribute to more sustainable and consumer-centred food labelling systems.
The Sustainability Award is presented every two years and aims to recognise higher education institutions that actively contribute to sustainable transformation through research, education, collaboration, and institutional development.
The 2026 jury included experts from academia, environmental policy, journalism, youth engagement, and sustainability leadership, ensuring a multidisciplinary evaluation process focused on innovation, societal impact, and long-term relevance.
To celebrate the award’s 10th anniversary, a new trophy was introduced in collaboration with students from the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. Artist Paul Mittnik designed a floating Möbius strip made from vegetable-tanned leather, symbolising interconnectedness, cycles, and the complexity of sustainable development.
The award includes a total prize fund of €20,000, while all submitted projects will also be featured in a dedicated digital publication showcasing Austria’s leading university sustainability initiatives.
Source: https://umweltbildung.at/verleihung-sustainability-award-2026/