Sigrid Stagl: Austria's scientist of the year inspires ideas!

Sigrid Stagl: Austria's scientist of the year inspires ideas!

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - Sigrid Stagl, professor of ecological economy at the Vienna University of Economic Affairs, was named “Scientist of 2024”. The award was awarded by the club of educational and science journalists: inside to appreciate their outstanding work to cope with climate change and the current energy crisis. Stagl, which has been a corresponding member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) since 2018, has established itself as an important voice in debates about sustainable economic transformations. ÖAW President Heinz Faßmann praised her ability to make complex scientific topics understandable for the public, especially in view of the recent crises that take intensive space in the media, such as ots reports .

Stagl is an expert in topics such as emissions trading, CO2 certificates, energy transition and circular economy. She observes that awareness of the finiteness of resources is growing, but she criticizes that the political and social reactions on the urgently needed system conversion are inadequate. In her opinion, climate policy should not be viewed in isolation, but as an integrated part of economic policy. At the awarding of the prize, the researcher expressed that there were many inexpensive measures, such as CO2 taxation or the abolition of subsidies for environmentally harmful technologies that can be implemented immediately in order to achieve positive effects. These suggestions flanked by a particularly emotional topic in society: speed limits in road traffic, which could contribute a lot to reduce emissions, such as Puls24 quoted .

an engagement for sustainable solutions

The 56-year-old Stagl, who comes from the Waldviertel, also actively campaigns in the movement "Scientists for Future" and is a member of the General Council of the Austrian National Bank. She sees her award as a continuation of a tradition to integrate the social and natural context in economics. With her commitment, she would like to inspire young people for economic studies and environmental issues in order to emphasize their importance for future society. Sigrid Stagl makes it clear: "The economy is part of society and has to orientate itself to the challenges of climate change." Her voice emphasizes how important a balanced and sustainable approach is to master current and future crises.