MCI Graduate Receives Prestigious State Award

Date 2025-12-18

Federal Ministry Honors Austria’s Best Theses | MCI Master’s Thesis on Adolescent Mental Health Literacy Recognized

Outstanding academic achievement at the Entrepreneurial School®: Pia Reichmann, graduate of the Master's program in International Health & Social Management at MCI, has been awarded the 2025 State Award by the Federal Minister for Women, Science and Research. The official award ceremony was recently held in Vienna.

In her thesis, titled "Shaping Mental Health Literacy in a Dynamic Environment: Identifying and Prioritizing Influential Factors in Adolescents Aged 10–13 Years in Tyrol, Austria", Reichmann conducted a qualitative study based on interviews with 15 experts from the fields of education, social work, and counseling.

Findings show that reflective thinking in dealing with online information, as well as access to affordable mental health services, are key influencing factors. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of parents and their attitudes toward mental health. Ultimately, the results highlight the need for a holistic approach – integrating parents, schools, and the healthcare system – to sustainably strengthen the mental resilience of young people.

About the State Award

The State Award presented by the Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research is endowed with EUR 3,000 and is among the most prestigious honors in Austria’s higher education sector. Each year, 55 of the best diploma and master’s theses are selected from approximately 16,000 graduates from Austrian universities and universities of applied sciences. Within the university of applied sciences sector, only 15 awards are granted nationwide.

Pia Reichmann receives the State Award ©BMFWF/Martin Lusser
Pia Reichmann receives the State Award ©BMFWF/Martin Lusser
<p>Pia Reichmann receives the State Award ©BMFWF/Martin Lusser</p>

Pia Reichmann receives the State Award ©BMFWF/Martin Lusser

<p>Pia Reichmann receives the State Award ©BMFWF/Martin Lusser</p>
MCI Graduate Receives Prestigious State Award
MCI Graduate Receives Prestigious State Award
Federal Ministry Honors Austria’s Best Theses | MCI Master’s Thesis on Adolescent Mental Health Literacy Recognized
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