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

Season’s greetings!

Ball 2026, General

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!

Ball 2026, Ballbotschaften
© 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! →