“To boldly go where no one has gone before.”

Other balls adopt a motto every year. The Science Ball has always been reluctant in this regard. Firstly, because we on the organising committee wanted to establish a traditional ball from the very beginning, one that would convince by virtue of its mission. The maxim “Fun with decency, dance with attitude” is as true in 2026 as it was at the beginning in 2015. And besides: Does the Opera Ball have a motto that goes beyond the musical program? The Techniker Cercle? Or the Philharmonic Ball? All right, then.

Secondly, because we also want to address and represent the diversity of the universities, colleges, and research institutions in their entirety. The Viennese research landscape is characterised by a special diversity, both in terms of topics and traditions, as well as the origins of its students and teachers. We respect this diversity. Yet once a year, the Science Ball is meant to celebrate what unites us all in this region: the pursuit of excellence, the common internationality, and the diversity we embrace. The ball’s success, which delights and astonishes us all time and again, justifies this comprehensive claim.

But why are we deviating slightly from our previous practice this year? Because the world is stressed, and science is under pressure. I can spare you the details.
“To boldly go where no one has gone before” is not just a nostalgic reference of the future-oriented 1960s, when Gene Roddenberry used Star Trek and the tools of pop culture to create a positive alternative to the dystopia of nuclear war apocalypse. The saying is also a reminder of what science should ideally enable: an overcoming of current conditions through empiricism and logic, thanks to a continuous process of gaining knowledge. Science must penetrate uncharted territories, explore unknown realms, and think unimagined thoughts. While it is important that science engages in discourse and, if necessary, conflict with politics and society, it is equally essential that science does not lose sight of the essence of its core mission.

“To boldly go where no one has gone before” is an encouraging call, an activating encouragement, a liberating motivation—in short, a decisive call for the power and freedom of science.

Oliver Lehmann for the Organising Committee