192,000 Visitors Attend Austria's "Long Night of Research"

Upper Austria showcased innovative projects, including a 20-meter-long walkable model of the human intestine and research on fungi as insulation materials. The Ars Electronica Center in Linz featured its Deep Space installations, while Graz hosted around 400 program points, including discussions on artificial intelligence.

Economic and Educational Impact

State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner (ÖVP) underscored the event’s role in demonstrating "was Forschung für das Land leisten kann" (what research can achieve for the country). She noted that nearly every aspect of daily life originates from scientific inquiry.

NHM Director General Katrin Vohland echoed this sentiment, asserting that taxpayer funds invested in research were "sinnvoll investiert" (wisely spent). The event also spotlighted start-ups, illustrating how scientific innovation drives economic growth.

In Carinthia, the University of Klagenfurt and Lakeside Park welcomed 9,000 visitors to 106 stations spread across 27 hectares. Topics ranged from glacier melt to the cognitive effects of video games.

A Record-Breaking Event

Organizers reported unprecedented turnout, with the southern state of Styria alone attracting crowds "so groß wie noch nie" (larger than ever before). The IT:U Digital University in Graz presented its work on CubeSat mini-satellites, while hands-on exhibits like "Wie entsteht ein Schwert" (How a Sword Is Made) captivated participants in the Agnes-Heller-Haus.

Since its inception in 2005, the LNF has grown into Austria’s premier platform for science communication, fostering dialogue between researchers and the public. This year’s edition, supported by over 450 organizations, reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to making science accessible to all.

With 500 researchers presenting their work, the event not only celebrated Austria’s scientific achievements but also inspired the next generation of innovators. As Minister Holzleitner noted, the LNF’s true success lies in its ability to "junge Leute zu inspirieren und für den Forschungsstandort Steiermark zu begeistern" (inspire young people and ignite their passion for Styria as a research hub).