Controlling Polymer shapes: A new generation of shape-adaptive materials

Researchers control ring polymer shapes by tuning electric charge
The University of Vienna is a research university with high international visibility. Recognising that research is a global endeavour, the university places strong emphasis on advancing fundamental inquiry and cultivating a wide range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary research that reflect the highest international standards.
Addressing the major societal issues of our time calls for multidisciplinary perspectives, with innovations increasingly emerging at the interface of academic fields. The University of Vienna meets this challenge by channeling its distinctive profile and broad academic scope into six strategic priorities.
Researchers control ring polymer shapes by tuning electric charge
New triggers for mitophagy – a self-cleaning process in cells – discovered
Focus on the interaction between the microbiome and plants
Faculties and centres, research networks, doctoral schools and core facilities (such as the Vienna Life-Science Instruments)
Centralised support for doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers as well as senior scientists
Career opportunities in research, teaching, project management and professional services
ViCAS is a new interdisciplinary centre dedicated to advancing innovative research in all fields and to encourage dialogue that can bridge national and disciplinary borders. The University of Vienna’s Center for Advanced Studies offers space for a year of deep, undisturbed research at the heart of one of Europe’s most stimulating cities.
Application is now open for our first cohort of senior and early-career fellows.
Find out more on the ViCAS website
The University of Vienna is strongly committed to raising the visibility of women in research. Each year, the university takes part in the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which was first initiated by the United Nations to raise awareness of the gender gap in STEM disciplines. Our participation aims to inspire, scrutinise and demonstrate how we can achieve equal access to and participation in science for women and girls.
On 11 February 2025, the university highlighted profiles of female academics working at the Faculty of Life Sciences, the CeMESS centre, the Data Science research network and the interinstitutional Max Perutz Labs. This spotlight showcases the range of initiatives that promote equal opportunities and the visibility of women in science.
The University of Vienna’s diverse research reaches deep into everyday life. Just as intriguing as the research findings themselves are the processes and the people behind them.
Across various locations in Vienna and the federal provinces, visitors are invited to take a behind-the-scenes look. The University of Vienna also brings research to life through a rich and varied programme of public events.
The strategic priorities bundle and channel activities in research, teaching and the promotion of young researchers. It is the basis of our international networks (e.g., via Circle U.) and national collaborations.
They are socially relevant, interdisciplinarily interconnected and internationally visible, promoting the success of cooperative, international third-party funded projects (e.g., EU missions).
u:cris provides a structured overview of the University of Vienna’s researchers, their academic activities, publications, international collaborations, and externally funded projects.
The Ethics Committee of the University of Vienna reviews research projects to ensure compliance with fundamental ethical principles and legal requirements.
The University of Vienna is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and excellence in research, teaching, and administration.