When democracies falter, universities and researchers are often the first targets. Those who demand conformity fear those who ask critical questions. Conversely, this means that strong, resilient democracies need science. And also: science needs a democratic environment to flourish. Democracy and science are based on the same fundamental values: evidence, openness, dissent, and the capacity to learn. Continue reading Eva-Maria Holzleitner: Democracy and science
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
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
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
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
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
True scientists can be recognized by the joy they take in their insatiable curiosity. Because this curiosity leads to asking questions not to confirm what scientists already know, but to discover what they do not yet understand. Continue reading Alice Auersperg: In conversation with nature
Time and again, people ask me, with expressions of pain or astonishment on their faces, why on earth I studied Latin. “It’s difficult, it’s dead, it’s useless, especially in the job market,” is the consensus. Continue reading Amira Ben Saoud: Science as passion
The restaurant business is never just about the owner, but always about the customer too. And the employees. And the suppliers. And the whole environment. Physics taught me to think big, to recognize systems, to understand processes holistically. Continue reading Jing Chen: Thinking big
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!