The "Wissenschaft Zukunft Preis" (WZP) is awarded by the Society for Research Promotion of Lower Austria to young researchers at the beginning of their scientific career and recognises excellent achievements. The prize covers all scientific disciplines with a connection to Lower Austria and can be awarded to Bachelor's and Master's graduates as well as to graduates of doctoral studies. The awards ceremony took place on 18 October 2022 in Grafenegg. In addition to Jakob Tuna, Alina Lenzen, Claudia Komm and Klemens Kremser were also awarded the "Science Future Prize" at this year's ceremony.

In his diploma thesis, Jakob Tuna developed a concept for optimal logistics planning for the entire province of Lower Austria. His work shows that the planning for freight transhipment centres is mostly only carried out locally via the zoning plans of the municipalities. As a result, logistics centres are often established at less suitable locations. With targeted planning, however, numerous positive effects can be generated. The optimised choice of location shortens transport routes and brings about a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, Tuna has raised the location issue to a supra-regional level and developed a province-wide logistics concept based on the Lower Austrian ROG 2014. In addition, he has developed a new zoning category "building land logistics area", in which suitable logistics locations in the municipalities are designated and secured in good time. In addition to the economic aspects, the work has great potential for the future, especially with regard to the climate crisis.

Jakob Tuna's entire thesis can be found at this link, opens an external URL in a new window. 

You can read more about the programme and the other award winners here, opens an external URL in a new window.