Wolfgang Streicher wins Tyrol science award for energy research

Wolfgang Streicher of the University of Innsbruck has received Tyrol’s 2026 State Prize for Science for his research into energy-efficient construction, renewable energy supply and fossil-free energy scenarios, ORF reported.

Streicher heads the university’s Institute of Construction and Materials Science. The Tyrol state government said his work explores ways to reduce energy use in construction and help mitigate climate change. He also works with housing providers, public authorities and businesses in the region.

Born in Graz, Streicher has researched energy efficiency, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and renewable energy for buildings since 1996. After beginning his career at Graz University of Technology, he moved to the University of Innsbruck in 2009, where he leads the energy-efficient construction research group.

His work links scientific research with practical applications, the state government said. It includes studies on Austria’s energy self-sufficiency, energy scenarios for Innsbruck and Tyrol, and energy-efficient renovations of housing and schools. His recent work included an energy target scenario commissioned by the Tyrol state government.

At Streicher’s suggestion, the state’s science encouragement award went to Simon Beck, a research associate at the University of Innsbruck who also works on energy-efficient construction. The State Prize for Science is worth a total of 14,000 euros and has been awarded annually since 1984.