The initiative outlined in the government programme emphasises a strengthening of competitive funding for basic research, and increased funding for excellent junior scientists, but also an overall expansion of competitive instruments to stimulate research excellence in universities and PRIs. This initiative could substantially reinforce and complement measures Austria has recently taken to promote research excellence, in particular with regard to strengthening competitive funding of basic research, increasing international visibility and sharpening the profile of Austrian science at the international level. An Austrian excellence initiative should addresses this issue.