The Gustav Stolper Award is awarded to outstanding scientists who have employed the findings of economic research to influence the public debate on economic issues and problems, and have made ​​important contributions to understanding and solving contemporary economic problems.

The award is named after the economist and journalist Gustav Stolper (1888 - 1947) who became co-editor of the Austrian journal "Österreichischer Volkswirt" in 1913 and was founder and editor of various economic publications.

As a board member of the German Democratic Party in the 1930 elections, Stolper was the leading candidate of the newly formed state party and was a member of the Reichstag. After the Nazis took power, Stolper and his family emigrated to the United States, where he worked as an economic advisor to a commission which assessed the political situation in Germany and Austria.

The Stolper Award is awarded irrespective of the age, and scholars may be honored only once.