The Wilhelm Exner Medal has been awarded by the Austrian Industry Association, (ÖGV), for excellence in research and science since 1921. The medal is dedicated to Wilhelm Exner (1840-1931), former president of the Association, who initialized the chamber of commerce in Austria, the Vienna Technical Museum and the . According to Wilhelm Exner the combination of science and economy formed the groundwork for economical growth and wealth. Wilhelm Exner considered the radical changes in the economic and social framework of the 20th century to be an opportunity and aimed to tackle the issues arising offensively and constructively. He represented the cosmopolitan with a commitment to modernization and transformation of the economy, science and society. Throughout his career, he has taken a vari