FWF and VHS Strengthen Successful Cooperation
Engaging in in-depth discussions on science with top-class, internationally renowned researchers – not in a large auditorium, but in a more intimate setting, and in easy-to-understand language. The Urania Lectures event series has offered the public this opportunity for two semesters now, and the events are becoming increasingly popular. As a result, the FWF’s cooperation with Vienna’s community college organization VHS is being expanded in the 2025 fall semester and integrated into the VHS science program under the new name “Science Lectures.” More VHS locations to choose from make the event series even more accessible to the people of Vienna. The low-threshold events in a small, personal setting encourage dialog and make current research understandable and tangible.
Right in the neighborhood
The Science Lectures bring FWF-funded researchers from a wide range of disciplines into conversation with the public. The idea is to present scientific topics vividly and accessibly, close to everyday life – and right in the neighborhood.
Bringing education to people
“The positive response and the well-attended events show us how many people really are interested in sound science. A direct, personal dialog with researchers makes all the difference when it comes to credibility, trust, and knowledge transfer at eye level,” says FWF President Christof Gattringer. Herbert Schweiger, Managing Director of the VHS, adds: “Education needs to be brought close to people. Expanding the series to other districts will make it easy for even more Viennese to experience science.”
New dates online
With topics ranging from new osteoporosis treatments to the search for exoplanets and how we can keep our brains fit, the dates and times of upcoming Science Lectures are posted on both the websites of the FWF and the VHS. Please note that most Science Lectures are in German.
