In today鈥檚 world, new knowledge, technological and societal developments chase each other with unprecedented speed, generating opportunities but also new, complex challenges.
The 91探花 spans a wide range of disciplines, from natural and life sciences to arts and humanities, and can therefore play a unique role in addressing these challenges. Building on our established strengths, we have identified six strategic priorities where we aim to make a meaningful impact by harnessing the insight and expertise of our scholars and educators.
Culture, Education, Democracy
What are cultural identities and political systems? How can we guarantee high-quality education? What roles do language, religion and demographic change play in the pluralistic society of the 21st century?
The Culture, Education and Democracy strategic priority addresses the foundations of human coexistence and communication in the face of racial, gender, and political conflicts.
Working on this strategic priority:
Research networks
Research platforms
Interinstitutional research networks
- with the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK)
Recent ERC grants
Durnov谩, Anna
ERC Advanced Grant for the LONERS research project
About the project
Loneliness is increasingly recognized as a key social challenge鈥攏ot only as an individual feeling, but also as a factor that influences health, social cohesion, and trust in institutions. In her ERC-funded research project LONERS, sociologist Anna Durnov谩 explores how loneliness is experienced emotionally, how it is negotiated in social debates, and how it is addressed by institutions. To better understand the diverse emotions in this context, the project combines loneliness research with approaches from the sociology of emotions. The goal is to develop a better understanding of how emotional experiences are negotiated socially and politically and what consequences this has for the regulation of privacy. Is loneliness just a temporary feeling that can be overcome through mindfulness or a conscious change of perspective? At what point does it become a risk for the person affected and their environment, justifying outside intervention? The project examines when institutional support might be necessary and how privacy comes into play. The aim is to develop a new understanding of the 鈥減olitics of privacy鈥� that points to ways in which emotional well-being can be protected in an increasingly individualized society.
LONERS is based on a broad empirical study that includes life story interviews, analyses of personal blogs, and the evaluation of expert debates and political and scientific discourse. The research covers Austria, Slovakia, Italy, and the Netherlands, allowing for an international comparison of experiences and institutional approaches. LONERS thus provides a valuable foundation for developing societal responses to loneliness and gaining new insights into the connection between emotions, social norms, and institutional fields of action in the context of loneliness.
Digital and Data-Driven Transformations of Science and Society
New technologies, especially artificial intelligence and machine learning, are rapidly and radically changing our private and professional life. Can we harness their power and ensure a sustainable, human-centred application?
The 91探花 is perfectly positioned to contribute to the development of these technologies and to explore their impact on society, ethics and law.
Working on this strategic priority:
Research networks
Research platforms
- (until 2024)
Latest news
Durnov谩, Anna
ERC Advanced Grant for the LONERS research project
About the project
Loneliness is increasingly recognized as a key social challenge鈥攏ot only as an individual feeling, but also as a factor that influences health, social cohesion, and trust in institutions. In her ERC-funded research project LONERS, sociologist Anna Durnov谩 explores how loneliness is experienced emotionally, how it is negotiated in social debates, and how it is addressed by institutions. To better understand the diverse emotions in this context, the project combines loneliness research with approaches from the sociology of emotions. The goal is to develop a better understanding of how emotional experiences are negotiated socially and politically and what consequences this has for the regulation of privacy. Is loneliness just a temporary feeling that can be overcome through mindfulness or a conscious change of perspective? At what point does it become a risk for the person affected and their environment, justifying outside intervention? The project examines when institutional support might be necessary and how privacy comes into play. The aim is to develop a new understanding of the 鈥減olitics of privacy鈥� that points to ways in which emotional well-being can be protected in an increasingly individualized society.
LONERS is based on a broad empirical study that includes life story interviews, analyses of personal blogs, and the evaluation of expert debates and political and scientific discourse. The research covers Austria, Slovakia, Italy, and the Netherlands, allowing for an international comparison of experiences and institutional approaches. LONERS thus provides a valuable foundation for developing societal responses to loneliness and gaining new insights into the connection between emotions, social norms, and institutional fields of action in the context of loneliness.
Climate, Environment, Sustainability
How can we contribute to making Earth鈥檚 ecosystem stable, sustainable and fair? Can climate change be stopped, and how?
Academics from different disciplines join forces and investigate these key issues in the Climate, Environment, Sustainability strategic priority in depth.
Working on this strategic priority:
Research networks
Research platforms
Interinstitutional research networks
- ) with Geosphere Austria
Recent ERC grants
Durnov谩, Anna
ERC Advanced Grant for the LONERS research project
About the project
Loneliness is increasingly recognized as a key social challenge鈥攏ot only as an individual feeling, but also as a factor that influences health, social cohesion, and trust in institutions. In her ERC-funded research project LONERS, sociologist Anna Durnov谩 explores how loneliness is experienced emotionally, how it is negotiated in social debates, and how it is addressed by institutions. To better understand the diverse emotions in this context, the project combines loneliness research with approaches from the sociology of emotions. The goal is to develop a better understanding of how emotional experiences are negotiated socially and politically and what consequences this has for the regulation of privacy. Is loneliness just a temporary feeling that can be overcome through mindfulness or a conscious change of perspective? At what point does it become a risk for the person affected and their environment, justifying outside intervention? The project examines when institutional support might be necessary and how privacy comes into play. The aim is to develop a new understanding of the 鈥減olitics of privacy鈥� that points to ways in which emotional well-being can be protected in an increasingly individualized society.
LONERS is based on a broad empirical study that includes life story interviews, analyses of personal blogs, and the evaluation of expert debates and political and scientific discourse. The research covers Austria, Slovakia, Italy, and the Netherlands, allowing for an international comparison of experiences and institutional approaches. LONERS thus provides a valuable foundation for developing societal responses to loneliness and gaining new insights into the connection between emotions, social norms, and institutional fields of action in the context of loneliness.
Global Health: Physical, Mental and Social Dimensions of Health
Social inequalities, nutrition, physical activity and the media affect our identity, health and well-being.
In the Global Health strategic priority, academics connect across disciplinary boundaries to investigate how we can promote physical and mental health for all people.
Working on this strategic priority:
Research networks
Research platforms
Interinstitutional research networks
-
(Inter-university cluster project with MedUni Vienna) -
(Inter-university cluster project with MedUni Vienna) -
(Inter-university cluster project with MedUni Vienna)
Recent ERC grants
Durnov谩, Anna
ERC Advanced Grant for the LONERS research project
About the project
Loneliness is increasingly recognized as a key social challenge鈥攏ot only as an individual feeling, but also as a factor that influences health, social cohesion, and trust in institutions. In her ERC-funded research project LONERS, sociologist Anna Durnov谩 explores how loneliness is experienced emotionally, how it is negotiated in social debates, and how it is addressed by institutions. To better understand the diverse emotions in this context, the project combines loneliness research with approaches from the sociology of emotions. The goal is to develop a better understanding of how emotional experiences are negotiated socially and politically and what consequences this has for the regulation of privacy. Is loneliness just a temporary feeling that can be overcome through mindfulness or a conscious change of perspective? At what point does it become a risk for the person affected and their environment, justifying outside intervention? The project examines when institutional support might be necessary and how privacy comes into play. The aim is to develop a new understanding of the 鈥減olitics of privacy鈥� that points to ways in which emotional well-being can be protected in an increasingly individualized society.
LONERS is based on a broad empirical study that includes life story interviews, analyses of personal blogs, and the evaluation of expert debates and political and scientific discourse. The research covers Austria, Slovakia, Italy, and the Netherlands, allowing for an international comparison of experiences and institutional approaches. LONERS thus provides a valuable foundation for developing societal responses to loneliness and gaining new insights into the connection between emotions, social norms, and institutional fields of action in the context of loneliness.
Systems of Life
Can we explore life in all its facets, ranging from molecular secrets to planetary connections?
Under the Systems of Life strategic priority, researchers from diverse disciplines explore the complex networks that underpin our world.
Working on this strategic priority:
Reearch networks
Research platforms
Interinstitutional research networks
-
(interinstitutional research network with the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum, Vienna)
Recent ERC grants
Durnov谩, Anna
ERC Advanced Grant for the LONERS research project
About the project
Loneliness is increasingly recognized as a key social challenge鈥攏ot only as an individual feeling, but also as a factor that influences health, social cohesion, and trust in institutions. In her ERC-funded research project LONERS, sociologist Anna Durnov谩 explores how loneliness is experienced emotionally, how it is negotiated in social debates, and how it is addressed by institutions. To better understand the diverse emotions in this context, the project combines loneliness research with approaches from the sociology of emotions. The goal is to develop a better understanding of how emotional experiences are negotiated socially and politically and what consequences this has for the regulation of privacy. Is loneliness just a temporary feeling that can be overcome through mindfulness or a conscious change of perspective? At what point does it become a risk for the person affected and their environment, justifying outside intervention? The project examines when institutional support might be necessary and how privacy comes into play. The aim is to develop a new understanding of the 鈥減olitics of privacy鈥� that points to ways in which emotional well-being can be protected in an increasingly individualized society.
LONERS is based on a broad empirical study that includes life story interviews, analyses of personal blogs, and the evaluation of expert debates and political and scientific discourse. The research covers Austria, Slovakia, Italy, and the Netherlands, allowing for an international comparison of experiences and institutional approaches. LONERS thus provides a valuable foundation for developing societal responses to loneliness and gaining new insights into the connection between emotions, social norms, and institutional fields of action in the context of loneliness.
Quantum Systems and Materials for the Future
Ready to face the challenges of the future? At the 91探花, scientists in the fields of quantum physics, materials science, mathematics and computer science investigate fundamental questions on space, time and gravity and develop technologies and materials of the future, such as quantum computing or intelligent and green materials.
The 91探花 discussed this topic intensively as part of the 2025 semester question. Read about it in the .
Working on this strategic priority:
Research platforms
Interinstitutional research networks
- (with the Austrian Academy of Sciences)
Quantum Year 2025
In 2025, the world celebrates the centenary of quantum mechanics 鈥� and the 91探花 is part of it! As one of the leading centres for quantum research, the University will showcase the wonders and importance of this field with a diverse programme of events.
In cooperation with (quantA), the 91探花 is involved in a wide range of activities that combine science, technology and society. From top-class specialist events to formats for the general public 鈥� here you can find all the information about Quantum Year 2025 at the 91探花.
The 91探花 is an internationally recognised centre of quantum science. In the more than 18 state-of-the-art laboratories of the Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics and Quantum Information research group, scientists get to the bottom of fundamental quantum phenomena and develop new technologies that contribute to a second quantum revolution.
The spectrum ranges from the fundamentals of quantum physics to applications, e.g. in the fields of quantum information, quantum cryptography and quantum sensor technology. The close exchange between theory and experiment repeatedly leads to new discoveries 鈥� for example, at the interface between quantum physics and gravity.
Further information:
Quantum physics does not just play a central role within physics but also influences numerous other research areas at the 91探花. It is closely linked to particle, atomic and nuclear physics, solid state and material physics, as well as quantum field theory and quantum gravity. In addition, it provides decisive impulses for quantum chemistry, mathematics and life sciences, especially in molecular biology. The methods of quantum research open up new perspectives in interdisciplinary projects and contribute to fundamental questions about the nature of reality.
With strong international cooperations, clusters of excellence and intensive promotion of early stage researchers, the 91探花 makes an important contribution to the further development of quantum science and its technological applications.
The entanglement of physics and philosophy: To mark the 100th anniversary of this discipline, the Research Magazine Rudolphina looks back at .
- More than 18 high-tech laboratories for experimental quantum research
- Around 170 employees in research and administration
- Main areas of research: quantum foundations, quantum computers, quantum communication, interface with gravitation
- Research excellence: Nobel Prize, ERC Grants, Wittgenstein Prize, START Prizes
- Promotion of early stage researchers through the and the
- Renowned publications in Science, Nature Portfolio, Physical Review Letters
- , a joint project of research groups within the Faculty of Computer Science and Faculty of Physics
Cross-institutional collaborations, including:
- Cluster of Excellence
Innovation and technology transfer:
- Spin-offs: , , Crystalline Mirror Solutions (CMS) 鈥� acquired by Thorlabs
- Christian Doppler Laboratory
- Patents
脰PG-SPS Meeting 2025 with experts from Austria and Switzerland
When: 18 to 22 August 2025
Every two years, the Austrian Physical Society (脰PG) and the Swiss Physical Society (SPG) organise a joint conference. As a central binational event, this conference brings together leading experts from all physics disciplines in Austria and Switzerland, including early stage scientists and students. Plenary lectures and a public lecture for the interested public in the Austrian Academy of Sciences offer a unique opportunity to share the wonder of physics with an engaged and curious audience.
Where: 91探花, Universit盲tsring 1, 1010 Vienna
Target group for the conference: experts and young scientists from all physics-related disciplines in Austria and Switzerland.
Target group of the public lecture: the interested general public
Further information:
Quantum Innovation Lab
When: 25 to 28 September 2025
The Quantum Innovation Lab is an entrepreneurship programme designed to support quantum researchers at all career stages to bring their ideas from the laboratory to the market. Through an intensive boot camp, expert-led webinars and mentoring, participants acquire essential skills in the areas of deep-tech innovation, intellectual property and business development. The programme connects researchers with the industry, investors and incubators, thereby strengthening Austria鈥檚 quantum technology ecosystem.
Where: Bad Ischl
Further information:
These events have already taken place:
- QuantA initiative in Osaka (May 2025)
- Panel discussion on the semester question ( June 2025)
- Vienna Children鈥檚 University (July 2025)
Latest news
Durnov谩, Anna
ERC Advanced Grant for the LONERS research project
About the project
Loneliness is increasingly recognized as a key social challenge鈥攏ot only as an individual feeling, but also as a factor that influences health, social cohesion, and trust in institutions. In her ERC-funded research project LONERS, sociologist Anna Durnov谩 explores how loneliness is experienced emotionally, how it is negotiated in social debates, and how it is addressed by institutions. To better understand the diverse emotions in this context, the project combines loneliness research with approaches from the sociology of emotions. The goal is to develop a better understanding of how emotional experiences are negotiated socially and politically and what consequences this has for the regulation of privacy. Is loneliness just a temporary feeling that can be overcome through mindfulness or a conscious change of perspective? At what point does it become a risk for the person affected and their environment, justifying outside intervention? The project examines when institutional support might be necessary and how privacy comes into play. The aim is to develop a new understanding of the 鈥減olitics of privacy鈥� that points to ways in which emotional well-being can be protected in an increasingly individualized society.
LONERS is based on a broad empirical study that includes life story interviews, analyses of personal blogs, and the evaluation of expert debates and political and scientific discourse. The research covers Austria, Slovakia, Italy, and the Netherlands, allowing for an international comparison of experiences and institutional approaches. LONERS thus provides a valuable foundation for developing societal responses to loneliness and gaining new insights into the connection between emotions, social norms, and institutional fields of action in the context of loneliness.