Category Archives: Ball 2026

Season’s greetings!

We have come up with a special location for the traditional meeting between Mayor Dr. Michael Ludwig and City Councilor for Science Mag.a Veronica Kaup-Hasler with the ball ambassadors at City Hall: the flower shop of the Vienna City Gardens in City Hall. As a special gift, here is an overview of the highlights of the program on January 24, 2026. Enjoy!

(from left) Tango dancers Nataliia Kozak and Gencay Aslan, ball ambassador Jing Chen, star guest and Ig Nobel Prize winner Fabrizio Olmeda, ball ambassadors Elka Xharo and Amira Ben Saoud, City Councilor for Science Veronica Kaup-Hasler, Mayor Michael Ludwig, and ball organizer Oliver Lehmann. © Sabine Hauswirth
Enormous appetite for science
On January 24, 2026, the Science Ball will celebrate a festival of inspiring science communication through sensory experiences at City Hall. The last batch of tickets will go on sale before Christmas.

Vienna (OTS) – The 11th Vienna Science Ball on January 24, 2026, at Vienna City Hall was virtually sold out after just five days. As a special Christmas present, the organizing committee is releasing a final batch of 150 ball tickets in the web shop (Edit:…which are sold out agian). Participation in events is still possible for the supporting program that complements the ball. Continue reading Season’s greetings!

Selina Wienerroither: Science as protection from populism!

© Minitta Kandlbauer

 Overcoming crises through interdisciplinarity: Science is and remains a central pillar of our society. For centuries, it has shaped our coexistence and contributed significantly to the constant expansion of our knowledge. Especially in times of increasing crises, it is crucial to advance scientific knowledge to overcome the challenges of our time. Continue reading Selina Wienerroither: Science as protection from populism!

Anna Durnová: The ball stands for togetherness

© Eugenie Sophie

Science is not an island of certainty. It is a public space for searching, doubting, and learning together. In times of climate crisis, it becomes clear how much our future depends on our ability not only to produce knowledge, but also to share it—with empathy, with the courage to embrace ambivalence, and with hope for democratic solutions. Continue reading Anna Durnová: The ball stands for togetherness

Jonathan Fine: Turning scientific findings into an experience

©KHM-Museumsverband

Museums are not only places of wonder, but also of research. Scientists from many disciplines work on exhibitions—from art history to genetics, from restoration to digital humanities. Research in museums is the opposite of science in an ivory tower: It takes place in the midst of society and reaches an audience of millions. Continue reading Jonathan Fine: Turning scientific findings into an experience