The aim of the Young Academics Award of the Alpine Convention is to recognize the key role of research and innovation by awarding Master’s theses carried out on relevant alpine topics. The focus of this year’s award was on sustainable water management. I was able to participate as one of the finalists with my Master thesis Assessment of Climate Change Adaptation Policies in the Danube River Basin. The XV. Alpine Conference took place on 04.04.2019 in Innsbruck where the finalists presented their work during a poster session. Prior to the conference, the finalists defended their work in front of an international academic jury. Unfortunately, I was not among the winners, still I appreciated the experience a lot. Not only was I able to get interesting insights regarding the Alpine Convention itself and met federal environmental ministers from all alpine countries, but I also exchanged ideas and experience with other young academics.