Employees and students of the University of Vienna design the Anniversary programme, also in cooperation with regional and national partners. In 2015, international guests will play a major role in our celebrations as the University of Vienna relies on a world-wide network of strategic partners. The Programme Advisory Board oversees the coordination of these events. The '650 years of the University of Vienna' Project is responsible for drawing up the programme.

In knowledge societies, universities are crucial for the social, economic and cultural advancement of a country. This is especially true for the University of Vienna, the undoubtedly largest Austrian university and the university with the broadest range of disciplines in Austria (University of Vienna, 2015 Development Plan). During the Anniversary year, the University of Vienna will demonstrate the social and economic importance of academic findings by highlighting numerous examples from the recent past.

The whole programme aims at increasing the visibility of the significance of research and teaching for various areas of life. Which impact do the University's activities have? The Anniversary year will provide the answer.  

Occasion for reflection and outlook

The Anniversary year is an occasion for critical reflection and thinking about the changing role of the University in the past, present and future. Our faculties and centres contribute with their special research projects and activities. 

Occasion for the public to participate in research

The 2015 Anniversary is an occasion for providing an insight into our work on the pulse of research. In 2015, the University of Vienna invites everybody to genuinely experience the diversity of its disciplines, degree programmes and research projects.  

Occasion to foster contacts

The University of Vienna will foster contacts and exchange ideas with its alumni and partner universities. The University maintains contacts by international anniversary conferences on research policy on the one hand, and by strengthening our international alumni activities, on the other.

Occasion to celebrate

Last but not least, the 650th Anniversary of the University is a reason and an occasion to celebrate, together with the University's employees, students, graduates and friends. The celebrations reconcile festive opening and closing events rich in tradition with the diverse and modern Festival of Academics, sports events and other events.


Programme overview (continually updated)

12 March 2015: Dies Academicus. Opening ceremony

April 2015: International conference on university policy with guests from all over the world, combined with the General Assembly of the European University Association.

May/June 2015: Science Festival, sports events, project and book presentations

Spring/summer 2015: Exhibitions, symposia and academic presentations

Autumn 2015: Anniversary finale