News

University of Graz develops sustainable and recyclable bio-plastic

Researchers at the University of Graz are developing a fully recyclable, bio-based epoxy resin that could change the plastics industry in the long term. A breakthrough that combines environmental protection and economic efficiency.

Human Rights Award: How crimes are documented in Belarus

If no one is there to document them, crimes against humanity and human rights violations often go unseen and unpunished. In the case of Europe’s last dictatorship, the Belarusian regime, however, there is close scrutiny: Meet our university’s human rights prize winner organization, the NGO-coalition International Accountability Platform for Belarus (IAPB).

Rising cost of living for insects: Energy demand increases with climate change

It sounds paradoxical: when the climate gets warmer, insects need more energy. Biologists at the University of Graz have demonstrated this using the example of paper wasps of the genus Polistes. Their mated queens spend the cold season in hidden winter quarters and live on the reserves built up in autumn. "A special metabolic characteristic of insects is that their energy requirements increase exponentially at rest as the outside temperature rises," says Anton Stabentheiner, lead author of the study, which was recently published in the Journal of Comparative Physiology B.

Randnotizen aus dem Mittelalter: Philologe Bernhard Bauer liest zwischen den Zeilen

Postings sind heute weite verbreitet. Doch sie waren bereits im Mittelalter üblich: Gelehrte hinterließen an den Rändern oder zwischen den Zeilen von Handschriften ihre Kommentare. Diese sogenannten Glossen erleuchten nicht nur den besprochenen Text, sondern geben auch Aufschluss über den Hintergrund der Verfasser. Philologe Bernhard Bauer taucht in die Welt zwischen den Zeilen ein,

When new times change the old world: Austrian Contemporary History Day

Two world wars, economic crisis, the annexation of Austria to the Nazi regime, student protests in 1968, the fall of the Iron Curtain - the 20th century was characterised by a continuous loop of deep cuts that changed society. With Russia's invasion of Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has proclaimed the next turning point in 2022. Under the title "Zeitenwenden - Wendezeiten?", the Austrian Contemporary History Day from 11 to 13 April 2024 at the University of Graz will attempt to classify historical events that led to lasting upheavals.

A sign of freedom and democracy: University of Graz awards human rights prize to IAPB

The University of Graz awards its Human Rights Prize to the International Accountability Platform for Belarus for its crucial work in documenting serious human rights violations in Belarus. A clear signal for justice and a democratic Europe.

Short but powerful: PhD students present their research in the 3 Minute Thesis Competition

Brevity is the soul of wit - a saying that was confirmed at the Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT) on 15 March 2024. Eleven doctoral students from the University of Graz took part in the event organised by the Doctoral Academy as part of an international competition. The task: to present their own research in English in three minutes in an understandable and exciting way for an audience from outside the field. Allowed: a single PowerPoint slide and a lot of creativity. All participants demonstrated this on stage at the Literaturhaus Graz.

Against the current: overcoming obstacles for renewable energy communities

Residents of an apartment building have jointly installed a photovoltaic system on the roof. They now receive cheap electricity and are independent of large corporations. And they are also helping to protect the climate. If only everything were that simple. In fact, the road for renewable energy communities is rocky. Scientists at the University of Graz explain how obstacles can be overcome.

More news

Quantum research: Images provide a better understanding of light and matter

An international team of researchers has been able to take photos of a special specimen from the world of quantum research for the first time: the…

Herein! Open House beim Tag der offenen Tür am 4. April 2024

Sind wir hier bei CSI? Juristin Nina Kaiser auf Spurensuche von Tatorten und Täter:innen

Ist gleich gerecht? Ein Gedankenexperiment mit dem Philosophen Elias Moser

EcoStories: How children change the world with stories

How can students explore the climate crisis and the protection of the environment playfully in English lessons? Within the EcoStories project…

How do we stay energised?

Rock glaciers on a rapid descent

Whether in Siberia, Alaska or the Alps – rising temperatures are affecting permafrost worldwide. In the high mountains, this can be seen in what are…

Long-term study shows how music lessons shape children's brains

When children produce their first, usually off-key notes on the recorder, piano, trumpet or guitar, it may not be a melodic pleasure for the listener.…