Since 2001 the Faculty of Technical Chemistry distinguishes special merits with the Richard Zsimgondy Medal. These special merits can be scientific, strategic or institutional in nature. The award is named after the Nobel Prize laureate Richard Zsigmondy, who studied at the TU Wien (then "Imperial and Royal Polytechnic Institute") from 1883 to 1885. Zsigmondy developed an ultramicroscope and researched colloids - tiny particles finely distributed in a medium. Milk is an example of a colloid system: its white color originates in light scattering off tiny droplets of fat in water. Therefore Zsigmondy was one of the first "nanotechnologists". With the help of his research, he was able to create new types of colored glass. In 1925 he received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his colloid research.

Previous laureates

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Johannes Fröhlich (2011)

Prof. Danninger and Vicerector Fröhlich

was Dean of the Faculty of Technical Chemistry from 2004 to 2011. He has been Vice-Rector for Research since 2001. The fact that the Faculty of Technical Chemistry now has modern facilities and high-quality equipment is primarily thanks to him.

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Rudolf Krska (2013)

Prof. Danninger and Prof. Krska

has distinguished himself above all through his research work in the field of mycotoxin analysis - a specialist area in which he was named the most cited author of the past ten years in 2013.

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Karlheinz Schwarz (2016)

Prof. Schwarz

has developed the computer software WIEN2k together with Prof. Blaha. This program can be used to penetrate the atomic dimensions of materials research and simulate chemical bonds. The program is used by over 2,700 groups worldwide.

ao.Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ingrid Steiner (2019)

Prof. Steiner

was the “face” of food chemistry at the Faculty of Technical Chemistry at TU Wien for many years and has made a name for herself as an outstanding scientist. She has also worked tirelessly on the issue of equal treatment. She has led the working group for equal treatment issues at the faculty since its foundation in 1991 and in recent years has also taken over the leadership of the working group for the entire Vienna University of Technology.