AK Science Award to MCI: effects of the pandemic on vulnerable groups in Tyrol

Date 2022-11-17

Lukas Kerschbaumer, Sascha Gell and Pia Reichmann win Science Award of the Chamber of Labor Upper Austria

<p>From left to right: Alberta Bonanni, Vice Rector Johannes Kepler University Linz, Pia Reichmann, Lukas Kerschbaumer, Andreas Stangl, President AK OÖ. © AK OÖ/Wolfgang Spitzbart</p>

From left to right: Alberta Bonanni, Vice Rector Johannes Kepler University Linz, Pia Reichmann, Lukas Kerschbaumer, Andreas Stangl, President AK OÖ. © AK OÖ/Wolfgang Spitzbart

<p>Lukas Kerschbaumer and Pia Reichmann at the award ceremony in Linz. © AK OÖ/Wolfgang Spitzbart</p>

Lukas Kerschbaumer and Pia Reichmann at the award ceremony in Linz. © AK OÖ/Wolfgang Spitzbart

<p>From left to right: Alberta Bonanni, Vice Rector Johannes Kepler University Linz, Pia Reichmann, Lukas Kerschbaumer, Andreas Stangl, President AK OÖ. © AK OÖ/Wolfgang Spitzbart</p>
<p>Lukas Kerschbaumer and Pia Reichmann at the award ceremony in Linz. © AK OÖ/Wolfgang Spitzbart</p>

Due to its outstanding quality and high relevance for employees, the submission by Lukas Kerschbaumer, Sascha Gell and Pia Reichmann of the Center for Social & Health Innovation at MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® stood out among a total of 15 papers on the general topic "Social impacts of the Corona pandemic" and receives the Science Award of the Chamber of Labor Upper Austria.

In the course of their survey, funded by the State of Tyrol and the Chamber of Labor Tyrol, they interviewed 179 people and investigated the impact of the Corona pandemic on vulnerable groups in Tyrol. In addition, the researchers were in close exchange with the Tyrolean poverty research forum.

The findings revealed that the pandemic increased precarious living conditions and the challenges of fighting poverty. Although many support services were available, eligible people were unable to access them due to bureaucratic hurdles, unawareness of possible support services, lack of digital literacy, or shame. Children in particular felt the effects of the pandemic, as they lacked financial resources for home schooling, places to retreat due to cramped living conditions, and social contacts. People with disabilities and their families also reported experiencing social isolation and restrictions on their self-determination.

 

Share article

Share LinkedInShare TwitterShare LinkedIn
MCI Enters Cooperation Agreements with Additional Renowned Partner Universities
MCI Enters Cooperation Agreements with Additional Renowned Partner Universities
Expanding the network of high-quality partner universities | Exciting international opportunities for MCI students, researchers, faculty, and the academic and economic hub of Innsbruck-Tyrol
Recap: MCI Open House 2025
Recap: MCI Open House 2025
Highlights from the MCI Open House in Innsbruck: Check out the photo gallery!
MCI Academic Council (re)appointed
MCI Academic Council (re)appointed
Reappointment of the current heads, Prof. Dr. Franz Pegger (Head) and Prof. Dr. Claudia Mössenlechner (Deputy Head), for the upcoming term 2025-2027