Campaigns
On this page you will find an overview of campaigns that have been implemented at the University of Vienna in recent years.
Semester question 2024: Do we know what AI will know?
Semester question 2024: Do we know what AI will know?
Artificial intelligence is changing our perception of knowledge and learning, of knowledge production and knowledge transfer. Since the launch of ChatGPT, the conversation around artificial intelligence has entered the mainstream. This new technology is radically changing our perception of knowledge and learning, of knowledge production and knowledge transfer. How can we define knowledge in a world in which information is increasingly generated and made accessible by machines? What opportunities but also risks do researchers and teachers of the largest educational institution of Austria see in this regard?
The future is in our hands.
The future is in our hands.
Research, ideas and solutions for our climate. For the environment. For tomorrow. The Environment and Climate Research Hub (ECH) was founded in 2022 and consists of scientists in relevant research fields (climate and environment) from almost all faculties of the University of Vienna, who are networked across disciplines (from humanities, social sciences, cultural studies to natural sciences). Their motivation is to conduct joint research that protects the climate and preserves our environment. They work in motivated teams across disciplinary boundaries on international research collaborations and research ideas that transcend existing thought barriers. The ECH focuses on the following topics: Biodiversity & Ecosystems, Multiscalar Climate Resilience, Changing Society and Clean Environment.
genuinely curious. Since 1365.
We are genuinely curious. Since 1365. Our research teams, students and teaching staff have been united by the goal of discovering new things and questioning the status quo. People study, research and teach here who tackle complex questions with passion, curiosity and perseverance every day. Around 84,600 students and 7,500 scientists work at 20 faculties and centers to find new answers for a better future.
Under the motto "genuinely curious. Since 1365.", scientists demonstrate what it means to conduct cutting-edge research in their daily work: Courageously and intensively tackling challenges, venturing into as yet unknown areas and a high level of motivation for themselves and their team. At the end of the day, the experts at the University of Vienna make a major contribution to the further development of our society.
You can look forward to meeting prominent personalities from the University of Vienna. Read interesting reports and interviews in our research magazine Rudolphina.
No half truths.
No half truths.
Rudolphina is the research magazine of the University of Vienna. Here you will find first-hand knowledge - directly from the research team and from the laboratory or think tank. The name Rudolphina has accompanied the University of Vienna (Latin: Alma Mater Rudolphina Vindobonensis) since its foundation. For us, the name symbolizes the courage to break new ground, perseverance and trust in science.
Planet and humans: Can we still be saved?
Planet and humans: Can we still be saved?
By influencing the Earth's regulatory systems, we humans are jeopardizing the basis of life for future generations. How can we change current developments? Our researchers spend a semester discussing the health of the planet.
How much algorithm can democracy take?
How much algorithm can democracy take?
Journalism and democracy are closely intertwined. In which direction will they develop? The University of Vienna invites readers throughout Austria to contribute ‘data donations’ to the Good News Project and participate in shaping the future of news reporting.
Modern archaeology: More than just digging for bones.
Modern archaeology: More than just digging for bones.
Using the latest scientific methods, Tom Higham and Katerina Douka from the University of Vienna want to solve a great mystery of human evolution: Why are we the only humans left?
Hoping that we can soon forget about Alzheimer’s.
Hoping that we can soon forget about Alzheimer’s.
Molecular biologist Sascha Martens and his team investigate the associated process – autophagy. The video reveals what keeps the scientists genuinely curious: Team spirit, the passion for a topic and their common goal of making a difference.
Works. Since 1365.
The University of Vienna works. Since 1365. Universities have been increasingly called upon to actively contribute scientific findings to society and the economy. At the University of Vienna, there are numerous scientists who actively implement this and units that promote or support this exchange of knowledge. The excellent basic research carried out at the University of Vienna forms the basis for the exchange of knowledge and addresses practical issues.
This is how the University of Vienna works.
This is how the University of Vienna works.
The University of Vienna cooperates in research with business, culture and society. Every year, its teaching prepares around 10,000 graduates for their professional careers and encourages them to think critically and act independently. With the thematic focus "Wirkt. Since 1365." we show you in various articles what the University of Vienna does for our society.
Curiosity works.
Curiosity works.
University of Vienna alumna Vera Popper and educational psychologist Christiane Spiel talk about the school of the future, the challenges of digitalization and the role of the university. Central to their work is practice-oriented research that has an impact on society.
Chemistry works.
Chemistry works.
University of Vienna chemist Nuno Maulide and Christiane Kofink from Boehringer Ingelheim are working together on innovative active ingredients. In this article, they explain how cooperation between science and practice works and what impact this collaboration has on society.
Never shuts down: Our thirst for knowledge.
Never shuts down: Our thirst for knowledge.
As part of the measures to contain COVID-19, the University of Vienna has closed its campuses. Research and teaching operations are largely running in remote mode. This has not dampened our thirst for knowledge - on the contrary: scientists from a wide range of fields have made the novel virus the subject of their research and are making their findings available in order to overcome the current challenges together.
Opening up new perspectives. Since 1365.
The University of Vienna is opening up new perspectives. Since 1365. There are many different ways to study. Especially at the University of Vienna: it offers the largest range of courses in Austria. Prospective students can choose from almost 60 Bachelor's and over 100 Master's degree programs as well as more than 70 university courses. This gives them the chance to choose the study path that best suits their ideas, interests and professional goals. As part of "Humans of University of Vienna", students talk about how they individually design their study path, master everyday university life and what drives them during their studies.
For me, being a teacher means inspiring enthusiasm.
For me, being a teacher means inspiring enthusiasm.
"I have the feeling that in times of climate change and the associated loss of biodiversity, future teachers will have an even greater responsibility to create a greater awareness of human actions in dealing with the planet. Specifically, I see myself faced with the challenge of getting future generations excited about biological phenomena and offering them opportunities to discover a love of nature for themselves."
Orchestra and studies: I like the change of strings
Orchestra and studies: I like the change of strings
"Playing in the orchestra at the University of Vienna has accompanied me throughout my studies, from the first lecture in my bachelor's degree in mathematics to my master's thesis, which I am now writing. The rehearsals provide a good balance to my studies and I've been able to get around a lot with the varied projects. What's particularly nice, of course, is that you get to meet very different and interesting people."
I brought expectations. I found friends.
I brought expectations. I found friends.
"I visited Vienna for the first time in December 2013 saw the beautiful Main Building of the University and decided that I want to come back and study here. I know that this Erasmus exchange will only have positive effects on my future. Employers value international experience and language skills. Going abroad also shows that I am willing to accept new challenges and am not afraid to physically step out of my comfort zone."
My goal: I wanted education and a career.
My goal: I wanted education and a career.
"I thought it would be impossible to study while working - especially as I still spend a lot of time abroad for work. Nevertheless, I was able to combine the two ideally. It wasn't easy: out of bed early, to the office, then to the library, then back to work. I still think about how I finished the last part of my master's thesis on a plane. Acquiring knowledge, the freedom to think and to question things critically - that and much more is what my studies taught me."
I share my chemistry with science geeks and the world.
I share my chemistry with science geeks and the world.
"I'm studying chemistry! This statement brings me a wide range of reactions: The first glance often reflects a mixture of respect and pity. When I talk about my studies, most people are surprised that half of the course consists of practical work. At the moment, I can imagine working in the field of biochemistry one day, but first I want to complete my Bachelor's degree and then quickly finish my Master's."
Research. For Europe. Since 1365.
We do research. For Europe. Since 1365. Contributing to the further development and innovative capacity of society through research and educating the next generation of students. That is our social mission. Our diverse research is interdisciplinary networked, internationally visible, intensively funded and anchored by excellent scientists.
Perceive. Process. Understanding. Verbalize.
Perceive. Process. Understanding. Verbalize.
Listening to Europe and understanding Europe. Talking about Europe together. What unites us? How do we differ? In which direction is Europe moving? Academics and students from the University of Vienna explore these questions and highlight the latest developments in European discourse.
Design. Focus. Reflect. Visualize.
Design. Focus. Reflect. Visualize.
Europe is more than a geographical entity; Europe is based on a common culture and history. But what holds Europe together? A question that is relevant far beyond the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU from July 2018 and the upcoming EU parliamentary elections in May 2019. What is important to strengthen Europe? How can Europe cooperate better in the future? Scientists from the University of Vienna will conceptualize, focus, reflect and visualize Europe's challenges.
Open to new ideas. Since 1365.
We are open to new ideas. Since 1365. Openness to new ideas has been our driving force in finding answers to the questions of our time. And this has been the case since 1365, the year the University of Vienna was founded.
We look for new ways.
We look for new ways.
When Arctic ice melts and glaciers recede, sea levels rise. Thawing permafrost soils release huge amounts of carbon as methane. Man-made carbon dioxide makes the sea acidic. Forest fires, hurricanes, drought - weather extremes are increasing. Scientists at the University of Vienna are analyzing the effects and consequences of advancing climate change. They are looking for new ways and solutions.
We explore it
We explore it
Our neuroscientists and cognitive scientists study the function and structure of the brain and investigate the background to consciousness, behavior, language and knowledge. Our IT experts use computers in many areas of research and for the development of new applications. Weather reports, social media or bank transfers... our everyday lives are based on complex algorithms and the processing of large amounts of data.
We speak 60 languages.
We speak 60 languages.
Around 60 languages are taught, researched and spoken at the University of Vienna - this diversity is reflected not only in the 180 courses on offer, but also in the internationality of the students and staff. Around 140 nations are represented here. Language does not create Babylonian confusion at the University of Vienna, as the biblical story of the failed Tower of Babel tells us. It enables understanding and exchange, creates identity and community and allows us to participate in other cultures.
Discovering the research behind it
Discovering the research behind it
The Botanical Garden, founded by Maria Theresa in 1754, was originally created as the Hortus Medicus to provide students of the Faculty of Medicine with an education in botany. Today, the Botanical Garden belongs to the Faculty of Life Sciences and, with around 11,500 plant species, serves as a research and teaching facility for students and scientists. For many people, however, the publicly accessible garden is also an oasis of calm and a haven of botanical splendor and diversity that invites research and discovery.
Behind it lies the gateway to knowledge.
Behind it lies the gateway to knowledge.
With 7.4 million books, 400,000 e-books, 45,000 e-journals, 7,400 print journals and over 1,200 databases, the University Library is the knowledge hub of the University of Vienna. From papyrus to e-books, the University Library offers its students, academics and teaching staff, as well as pupils and interested visitors, an enormous treasure trove of literature. The gateway to knowledge opens both virtually via digital research options and in real life by opening a book in the University Library's historic reading room or in one of its numerous modern specialist libraries.
Just Science, No Fiction.
Just Science, No Fiction.
Nothing is more exciting than reality. What was at the beginning of the universe? How do galaxies form? Scientists at the university have been looking at the stars since 1365, since 2008 together with the European Southern Observatory (ESO). The world's largest telescope is currently being built in the Atacama Desert in Chile. The University of Vienna is coordinating the Austrian activities for its construction and developing software for special instruments. This will soon bring the stars even closer.
Behind this is the future.
Behind this is the future.
The University of Vienna stands for application-oriented basic research, its 6,700 scientists are drivers of innovation for society and the Vienna region. In numerous laboratories, workshops and libraries, they are helping to shape our future. Many of them conduct excellent cutting-edge research, awarded with competitive grants from the European Research Council or highly endowed prizes from the Austrian Science Fund. Their research will contribute to groundbreaking innovations. The future is being created at the University of Vienna.
Behind it plays the future.
Behind it plays the future.
For 14 years now, the University of Vienna has been opening the doors to its lecture halls, laboratories and seminar rooms for the very young generation of scientists as part of the Vienna Children's University. Every year in July, children aged 7-12 who are thirsty for knowledge are given a playful insight into everyday research and teaching at a university - science is then within their grasp.
Behind it lies the future.
Behind it lies the future.
Several thousand students come to the Audimax every day. In total, over 100,000 people study, teach and conduct research on the premises of the University of Vienna. The University of Vienna is Austria's largest "think tank" and makes a decisive contribution to the education of future generations. This is why the university combines the umbrella idea "Open for new things. Since 1365." visually with doors and gates to its numerous buildings and with the slogan "Behind them lies the future".
