The initiative “green CCR”
greenCCR aims to systematically embed sustainability at the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) for the long term. Its approach is based on the recognition that sustainable change can only be achieved through coordinated, interest-based action by all stakeholders. greenCCR combines structural measures with awareness-raising and active employee participation. A step-by-step, inclusive approach ensures that all people are met where they are, with critical voices deliberately included. Research groups and service units are involved in the implementation of sustainability strategies through voluntary delegates. The focus is on raising awareness, sustainable use of consumables and energy resources, and internal and external networking. At the core are the voluntary “greenCCR New Year’s Resolutions”: working groups advocate for established measures, test pilot projects, or contribute their own ideas. This multi-layer approach combines stability and continuity with innovation. Successful measures are further developed, translated into standardized processes, and institutionally anchored. As a result, sustainability becomes not a project-based effort but a permanent part of everyday research life. Networking with stakeholders, public relations, and visible practical examples serve as role models and promote sustainable transformation in the life sciences sector.
The “greenCCR” Team
The greenCCR team, founded and led by Agnes Csiszar since 2023, coordinates the sustainability initiative at the Center for Cancer Research at the Medical University of Vienna. The team’s volunteer work—with its additional members Michael Grusch, Martin Holcmann, and Gerald Timelthaler—aims to develop a variety of ideas into practical, site-specific measures to promote sustainability in research. Key annual milestones of its activities include the “greenCCR Delegate Meeting” for the internal presentation of proposals for new measures, as well as the “CCR Green Day,” during which measures implemented over the year are publicly presented and discussed in frame of a program to promote sustainability awareness.
For her pioneering work - in particular the launch of “CCR Green Day” as one of the first sustainability events at MedUni Vienna - Agnes Csiszar was honored with the Rectorate’s “Sustainability Award 2024.”
“Sustainability is a central component of responsible university research. Especially in a research-intensive field such as cancer research, it is essential to combine scientific excellence with resource-efficient and long-term effective practices. We are delighted about the nomination for the Sustainability Award because it highlights this commitment and confirms that we are on the right track.” Michaela Fritz, Vice Rector for Research Maria Sibilia, Head of Center for Cancer Research |
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The Sustainability Award 2026
The Sustainability Award is an Austrian prize awarded every two years by the Federal Ministry for Women, Science, and Research (BMFWF) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection (BMLUK) to recognize outstanding sustainability projects in higher education. The award is based on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which promote ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable development.
In 2026, a total of 133 projects were submitted. An independent expert jury nominated 12 projects (three each in the categories of “Learning”, “Research”, “Cooperation”, and “Anchoring”). One gold and two silver awards will be presented per category. The specific awards (gold or silver) will be announced at the awards ceremony on June 9, 2026, in Vienna.