Early each year, only those who have been honoured so far are entitled to submit a nomination for new medal holders. The nominations received in due time are assessed by the scientific advisory board chaired by the former chairman of the Austrian Rectors’ Conference, Hans Sünkel, as the jury. The decision on the honours is made in secret session.

ABOUT WILHELM EXNER
Wilhelm Exner (1840-1931) always regarded the revolutionary changes in economic and social conditions taking place in his time as a great opportunity and was focused on tackling the problems that arose offensively and constructively.
Exner represented cosmopolitan Austrian liberalism, which instead of isolationism and enemy stereotypes used its commitment to modernisation and the transformation of the economy, science and society.
These character traits that shaped Wilhelm Exner’s personality can also be found in their basic features in many Wilhelm Exner medal holders.
With the medal bearing his name, the Austrian Trade Association has since 1921 honoured eminent scientists whose theories, findings and results have brought about or initiated important trade-industrial applications. Among the 240 laureates, from the fields of physics, chemistry or biology, as well as inventors and designers whose ideas and designs opened up new dimensions of economic progress and sustainably promoted the development of industry and trade, there are 23 Nobel Prize winners.