Christina Kainz, postdoc in the Christian Doppler Laboratory for Advanced Coated Cutting Tools at the Chair of Functional Materials and Material Systems, received the Young Investigator Award during the 68th Symposium of the American Vacuum Society (AVS). The award, which is presented by the Advanced Surface Engineering Division of the AVS, recognizes the work of young researchers in the field of vacuum technology and thin film technology. The award was presented to Christina Kainz for her significant scientific contributions to design, synthesis and characterization of novel hard coatings with optimized thermal stability and superiors oxidation performance.