Dr. Veronika Helfert, former fellow on Prof. Susan Zimmermann's Zarah project, has been awarded the Edith Saurer Prize. The prize, sponsoring projects in the field of historical research, was founded and provided with funds by the late University Professor Edith Saurer from the University of Vienna, who passed away in 2011. Each year since 2013, one or several applicants have been granted a research grant from € 5.000 to € 20.000.
On May 7, 2026, the Edith Saurer Fund awarded its 2025 grants in the library of the Vienna Chamber of Labor. A (former) postdoc of CEU’s Department of Historical Studies prevailed in a two-stage review process, and won a prize of €9,300. Her book, Zur politischen Ökonomie von Hausarbeit. Gewerkschafterinnen und un/bezahlte Arbeit im 20. Jahrhundert, examines how women trade unionists of various political persuasions in the 20th century analysed the tension between paid employment and unpaid care work. Drawing on extensive archival sources and Austrian case studies within an international context, the book demonstrates how female workers developed economic expertise, sought to influence policies on working hours or wages, and how their diverse conceptions of social justice shaped trade union action. It thus contributes to an understanding of the historical origins of social inequalities in relation to the gendered division of labour.
Photo credit:
© ESF / Christopher Glanzl.