All posts by Oliver Lehmann

Günther Mayr: Let’s dance and do science

Ball 2026, Ballbotschaften
© ORF

Every time I enter the University of Vienna, I am immersed in an aura that has shaped my life. It was not only at the Alma Mater Rudolphina that I received my academic consecration. There, I was able to get to know a scientific community that has been and continues to be shaped by brilliant minds over the centuries. Through the university, I also got to know and appreciate the city of Vienna—and there was no shortage of partying in student life in the Austrian capital. Continue reading Günther Mayr: Let’s dance and do science →

How good is the ball really?

Ball 2026
Photo: © Miya Komori

To avoid any misunderstanding: this is fan fiction in the best sense of the word, not a strictly scientific publication with peer review. But the study by Ball regular Miya Komori-Glatz is so charming and insightful that we don’t want to keep it from our audience. Enjoy!

Dr. Miya Komori-Glatz is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Business Communication, WU Vienna University of Economics and Business. Having completed her first degree at the University of Cambridge, she continued her studies at the University of Vienna. While her main research interests examine the intersection of language, communication, business and higher education, her broader interests include the intersection of Wien, Wein und Walzer. Continue reading How good is the ball really? →

Alice Barbora Tumpach: Waltzing with Pauli to Vienna

Ball 2026, Ballbotschaften
Alice Barbora Tumpach with WPI Director Norbert Julius Mauser and Fields Medalist Pierre-Louis Lions, January 9, 2026, at the French Embassy on the occasion of the ceremonial signing of the agreements for the fifth extension of the “Institut CNRS Pauli.” / Photo: WPI

My journey takes me from Paris to Lille to Vienna, from pure mathematics to machine learning and biomedicine. I took a leap into the unknown with three children and have no regrets. The Wolfgang Pauli Institute (WPI) was a tireless catalyst and source of support throughout. Continue reading Alice Barbora Tumpach: Waltzing with Pauli to Vienna →

Georgia Avarikioti: Communication as ethical responsibility

Ball 2026, Ballbotschaften

In our increasingly digital society, much of what we do depends on systems we do not see but constantly rely on. These infrastructures shape our everyday decisions: which services we trust, how we exchange goods, how securely our data is handled, and how and which information reaches us. When such systems are reliable and transparent, they empower citizens, strengthen democracy and our trust in our institutions; when they fail, the consequences ripple far beyond technology. Continue reading Georgia Avarikioti: Communication as ethical responsibility →

Francesca Ferlaino: An ultracool laureate

Ball 2026, Ballbotschaften, General
In addition to the award as Scientist of the Year, Francesca Ferlaino was also presented with honorary tickets for the Science Ball by organiser Oliver Lehmann / © R. Ferrigato

The new Scientist of the Year 2025 knows the Science Ball from her own experience. Last year, Francesca Ferlaino was a member of the team of Austrian quantum physicists who presented their QuantA network with a spectacular presentation in the ballrooms. Ultimately, it is this inclination and ability to communicate highly complex concepts in a popular way that earned Ferlaino the award from the Club of Education and Science Journalists, which was presented to her at the Concordia Press Club on January 7 – together with honorary tickets for the ball. Continue reading Francesca Ferlaino: An ultracool laureate →

Mira Magdalena Sickinger: Positions of Uncertainty

Ball 2026, Ballbotschaften
© Universität Wien/Joseph Krpelan

teaching to transgress

from below
subversive/transgressive
transcending boundaries and categorizations
creating non-discursive knowledge
because comprehension and creation go on together (Goodman, N., 1978)

writing critical of language
bodymindwriting
writing of a we that has been left out (forgotten, repressed, excluded)
beyond all authorities
speaking anti-hegemonically
liberating ourselves in language (hooks, b., 1994) Continue reading Mira Magdalena Sickinger: Positions of Uncertainty →

Box office opens doors

Ball 2026, General

It’s literally a box office hit! Again, this ball season the Stadtkino im Künstlerhaus am Karlsplatz is our host. Thanks to their hospitality we are distributing our ordered- and pre-paid tickets at this well-located address in the inner city centre from Monday, 5 January, to Friday, 23 January, 2026 on workdays and as an exception also on 6 January from 16.00 until 19.00.

The exact address: Stadtkino im Künstlerhaus, 1010 Wien, Akademiestraße 13. You can reach the ticket office via U1, U2, U4; tram lines 1, 2, 62, 71, D; Badner Bahn; bus lines 2A, 4A, 59A.

Photo: R. Ferrigato